La Miradora House by Taller General – Sustainable Highland Living in Machachi, Ecuador

Nestled in the breathtaking páramo ecosystem of Ecuador’s central highlands, La Miradora House by Taller General is a striking 299 m² residence perched at 3,403 meters above sea level. Completed in 2024, this contemporary home embraces its unique site, an elongated plot bordered by a local road on one end and a deep ravine on the other. Surrounded by neighboring prairies and towering volcanoes, the house is positioned at the highest point of the lot to maximize panoramic views and organize interior spaces efficiently.

Designed primarily for a couple with occasional family visits, the house reflects a thoughtful spatial organization. The upper level, which occupies the most accessible and scenic portion of the house, accommodates essential living spaces and a small lookout loft oriented north and south, capturing spectacular views of nearby volcanoes. The lower level, smaller due to the sloping site, is activated during visits, providing additional accommodation.

A distinctive feature of the house is its exterior ramp, connecting the upper floor directly to the landscape. This covered yet open-air pathway allows gradual transition between indoor and outdoor spaces while offering panoramic vistas.

Sustainability is at the core of La Miradora House’s design. Solar panels provide electricity, while gray and black water are treated via a combination of grease traps, a biodigester, and a wetland system, with treated water eventually infiltrating a small lagoon into the ground.

Structurally, the house is defined by ten wooden ribs, arranged as porticos made of four inclined pieces that rise upward, offering shelter on the upper floor. On the north side, the porticos rest on a brick base that disappears where the lower floor begins, while on the south, ramp-side, the lower pieces adapt in length to the slope and are made of metal to withstand rainfall and sunlight. Spaced every 2.44 meters, the porticos create protective eaves, sheltering the wood from rain and interiors from the sun. Modulations in this structure accommodate the loft’s expansive views, while the lower level houses wet areas and a covered parking space.

Materiality is deeply contextual:

the design celebrates nature and local craftsmanship while addressing climate resilience, availability of construction materials, and efficient execution. No coatings or coverings hide the structure, minimizing construction waste. From the outset, the project emphasized meticulous detailing, with trained artisans contributing to elements such as lamps, fixed bathroom furniture, storage, stairs, curtains, and interior partitions.

La Miradora House exemplifies highland sustainable architecture, combining panoramic natural integration, eco-conscious design, and meticulous craftsmanship. It demonstrates how modern living can coexist harmoniously with the challenging páramo landscape while honoring local traditions and materials.

All Photographs are works of   JAG Studio