Cantera House by Taller General: A Mountain Retreat Integrating Nature and Sustainable Design

Nestled on a ridge that separates Quito from its surrounding valleys, Cantera House by Taller General is a striking example of mountain architecture that harmonizes with its environment. This single-family residence demonstrates how modern design can merge with topography while addressing the challenges of strong mountain winds and steep terrain.

Integrating Architecture with the Mountain Landscape

The site’s unique north-south ridge orientation provides panoramic views in every direction. To the east, the valleys of Quito extend alongside the eastern mountain range; to the west, the city’s plateau stretches out. Despite these breathtaking vistas, persistent winds from the eastern slopes posed a significant design challenge, prompting a careful approach to orientation and sheltering.

The design strategy prioritizes embedding the house into the slope, taking advantage of natural terrain to create protection from the wind while optimizing views. Cantera House is composed of three distinct naves connected by a central corridor that runs east-west along the slope. This corridor is framed by parallel stone walls, 90 centimeters apart, punctuated by arches that expand where necessary to accommodate circulation, bathrooms, and storage.

Thoughtful Spatial Planning

Each nave serves a distinct function: the social area, main bedroom, and complementary rooms, all opening to the east to embrace sunlight and the surrounding landscape. Storage areas are cleverly integrated into the stone retaining walls on the opposite side, maintaining a clean, natural aesthetic while supporting the home structurally.

The roofs are crafted from light laminated pine wood, following the terrain’s incline. This design allows wind to pass over the structures while opening connections to the west. The naves create protected external interstitial spaces, ideal for vegetable gardens or outdoor relaxation sheltered from strong winds.

Sustainable Systems and Materials

Sustainability is central to Cantera House’s design. Rainwater is collected and stored, while greywater and blackwater are treated on-site, nourishing the surrounding landscape. Walls and retaining structures utilize stacked stone with concrete joints, reinforced lightly with steel. The polished concrete floors extend from the foundations, with recessed bedrooms featuring eucalyptus wood flooring for added warmth.

Expansive glass enclosures, including the central corridor roof, ensure that intimate spaces receive natural light while maintaining a constant visual connection with the mountain. Each room incorporates glass partitions that expand the sense of interior gardens, allowing the house to remain deeply connected to its natural surroundings.

Design Highlights

• Three naves connected by a central corridor oriented along the slope
• Stone walls with concrete joints and light steel reinforcement
• Laminated pine wood roofs that facilitate wind flow
• Glass walls and corridor roof for natural lighting and outdoor connection
• Integrated rainwater collection and grey/blackwater treatment systems
• Recessed bedrooms with eucalyptus wood flooring for warmth
• Protected external spaces for gardens and outdoor activities

Cantera House demonstrates how architecture can embrace the challenges of mountainous terrain while integrating sustainability, natural light, and strong connections to the environment. It is a prime example of contemporary Ecuadorian design that respects both site and climate.

All photographs are works of  Alex Santander