Ceramics Workshop by #1028 Arquitectura y Paisaje: A 12 m² Terrace Transformed into a Sanctuary for Craft and Creativity

The Ceramics Workshop by #1028 Arquitectura y Paisaje reimagines a modest 12 m² terrace in Quito, Ecuador, transforming an underutilized outdoor space into a serene and highly functional ceramics studio. Designed in 2024 and photographed by Carlos Palacios, the project blends delicate craftsmanship with architectural clarity, celebrating the intimate connection between space, materiality, and creative practice.

What began as a commission from a younger sister—now a ceramist—became a deeply personal design challenge for the architects. Her request was straightforward: convert a forgotten terrace into a workspace “as beautiful as the objects it would help bring into the world.” Through subtle architectural moves and thoughtful detailing, the design becomes a micro-sanctuary where craft, mindfulness, and spatial poetry intertwine.

Transforming a Residual Terrace Into a Creative Sanctuary

The intervention revolves around a simple yet powerful set of elements: a wooden pergola, fabric sunshades, and a carefully articulated façade. These ordinary components are elevated through geometric intention and material harmony, producing a space that feels both grounded and sacred.

A defining gesture is the introduction of a spherical geometry between the pergola and the floor plane. This circular radius shapes the fabric shades into a soft dome, echoing classical architecture and adding a sense of ceremony to the workspace. The curve reappears on the rear wall and façade, unifying the composition and framing the potter’s wheel, which sits at the heart of the dome-like volume.

Beneath the pergola, metal structural frames support a subtle gable roof, creating a layered overhead condition that filters light and anchors the space. The dome-shaped textile shades soften the atmosphere, providing gentle diffused illumination ideal for contemplative craft.

The shelves along the façade integrate yellow metal accents with pine wood, creating a functional yet warm display and storage system that complements the ceramic practice. Together, these elements merge architectural clarity with handcrafted charm.

A Space for Craft, Design, and Mindfulness

For the ceramist, the studio is more than a workspace—it's an emotional and sensory environment where creativity unfolds. The architects describe ceramics as a balance between design, craftsmanship, and mindfulness, and this workshop embodies the first two with precision and care. The hope is that the serene spatial environment supports the third, allowing moments of peace and reflection as the craft takes shape.

In this micro-scale project, #1028 Arquitectura y Paisaje demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate even the smallest of spaces. Through proportion, materiality, and narrative, the workshop becomes an architectural retreat—an almost sacred place where daily rituals of making gain significance.