-
Architects: Quinta Fachada | Arquitectura Consciente
- Area: 18 m²
- Year: 2023
-
Photographs:Alex Santander, Studio Arq
-
Lead Architects: Alejandro Cevallos, Kevin Gutiérrez, Estefanía Valencia
Text description provided by the architects. Taller Atemporal emerges as a conscious and flexible architectural response to the complexities of today's urban landscape. Set in a residential context, the project aims to establish a harmonious dialogue between the building and its surroundings, adopting sustainable strategies and innovative practices that minimize its environmental impact. Its conception integrates principles of convergence between architecture and landscape, where the built space is not seen as an isolated object but as an extension of the environment, enriching and respecting the local identity. This 18 m² space is designed to serve multiple functions: coworking, showroom, project workshop, and primarily our architecture office. The versatility of its spatial configuration allows these activities to coexist without formal alterations, reflecting a design approach that prioritizes adaptability. Through minimalist architecture, Taller Atemporal fosters a more human interaction with the surrounding natural environment, reducing its ecological footprint during construction and in its later use.
The project's structure is a single open space where the roof plays a key role, functioning not only as a structural element but also as a visual and symbolic resource that unifies the space. By elevating the roof to a hierarchical plane within the design, the floor plan is freed, allowing natural light to flood the interior and act as the primary element defining the spatial experience. This treatment of light reinforces the relationship between the living space and the exterior landscape. In terms of construction, the project combines materials that promote a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Laminated wood, the central material of the structure, stands out not only for its low environmental impact but also for its ability to create a warm, natural atmosphere. This material, sourced from certified responsibly managed forests, offers durability and energy efficiency, and its prefabrication speeds up construction time and reduces costs, in line with the need to build with environmental and social awareness.
The use of polycarbonate and a biomaterial (rice straw) as thermal and acoustic insulation on the facades provides effective protection against the elements while contributing to the project's contemporary aesthetic. Inside, OSB panels coated with microcement offer a durable, low-maintenance solution, while the transparency of tempered glass on one of the facades creates a direct visual connection with the landscape, allowing for a seamless integration between interior and exterior. This holistic design approach not only optimizes resources but also responds to local climatic conditions, using solar orientation to maximize thermal comfort without sacrificing energy efficiency. Taller Atemporal is an intervention that demonstrates how architecture can be both an active player in creating built landscapes and a reflection of the dynamic complexities of the urban environment. In this way, the project integrates into its context without disturbing the preexisting balance, generating a convergence between living space, nature, and urban identity.
