Atardeceres House | Fabrica Nativa Arquitectura – Sustainable Coastal Living in Ecuador

Nestled in the rural landscapes of San Lorenzo de Jipijapa, Manabí province, Atardeceres House by Fabrica Nativa Arquitectura is a thoughtful integration of nature, culture, and sustainable living. Covering 66 m², this innovative home harmonizes daily life with the lush Ecuadorian coastal environment, offering families a functional, adaptable, and eco-conscious living space.

Context & Site

The house sits amidst a yellow land sector between protected areas and productive agricultural lots, where local families cultivate coffee, plantains, corn, and cocoa, while raising livestock such as chickens and pigs. The site is alive with local wildlife, including guacharacas, guatusos, armadillos, guantas, tigrillos, and snakes, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the mountainous coastal region. Local resources, such as “caña brava” bamboo, are produced nearby, supporting a construction strategy rooted in sustainability and tradition.

Design Strategy & Sustainable Approach

Atardeceres House follows a contextual and environmentally conscious design strategy:

1. Utilize local materials including treated bamboo, wood, and recycled elements.
2. Collaborate with local labor, preserving construction traditions and introducing new techniques.
3. Design a flexible, progressive structure that allows the house to grow over time.
4. Define essential living spaces: sleeping, cooking, cleaning, and living areas.
5. Integrate wastewater management systems such as biodigesters and infiltration fields; organic waste is converted into compost.
6. Employ renewable energy solutions like photovoltaic panels.
7. Maintain cost efficiency through government loans, ensuring affordability for local families.

Architectural Concept & Layout

After analyzing multiple options (36m², 66m², 132m²), the 66 m² model was chosen as the ideal size for families of four or more. The house consists of four modular units (3.00m x 5.40m) constructed with treated roll bamboo, matting, and lath, joined by screws, threaded rods, and nuts. Wet areas are centrally located for future flexible expansion, while the house is elevated to adapt to humidity and heat, taking full advantage of panoramic views and the surrounding landscape. Its envelope combines recycled sheets with matting, emphasizing sustainability without compromising aesthetics.

Interior & Connection with Nature

Inside, the home celebrates natural light, ventilation, and the warmth of exposed beams, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. Bedrooms, living areas, and decks open seamlessly to the surrounding forest, fostering a deep connection between daily life and the coastal ecosystem.

Atardeceres House demonstrates how eco-conscious design, local materials, and cultural integration can redefine sustainable rural living on the Ecuadorian coast.