Los Aposentos House by Bernardo Bustamante Arquitectos: A Sustainable Coastal Retreat in Ecuador

Blending Vernacular Architecture with Resilient Design

Los Aposentos House, designed by Bernardo Bustamante Arquitectos, is a stunning coastal residence in Canoa, Ecuador. Perched on a secluded plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this 2648 ft² (246 m²) home is crafted to withstand the region's tropical climate, seismic activity, and seasonal flooding. The project draws inspiration from vernacular architecture, integrating sustainable materials and passive design strategies to create a harmonious relationship with its surroundings.

Adapting to a Challenging Coastal Landscape

The site is a private cove nestled between cliffs, accessible through a scenic route that crosses dry forests and the Río Muchacho. However, the river’s rising levels during the rainy season necessitated the construction of the house within the dry months. This approach ensured the structural integrity of the home while minimizing environmental disruption.

The Manabí region experiences intense rainfall, high humidity, and earthquakes—factors that directly influenced the home’s resilient design choices. After the devastating 2016 earthquake that severely impacted Canoa, the architects prioritized a durable, earthquake-resistant structure that could endure extreme conditions.

Sustainable & Resilient Architectural Strategies

Los Aposentos House integrates ancestral construction principles with modern engineering to create a sustainable, low-maintenance retreat. Key design strategies include:

1. Elevated Construction: The house is raised on reinforced concrete piles, protecting it from floods, humidity, and potential landslides.
2. Robust Structural System: The primary framework consists of reinforced concrete, ensuring seismic resistance and longevity.
3. Climate-Responsive Roof Design: A large overhanging roof with extended eaves shields the house from intense sun and heavy rains, reducing thermal gain and improving durability.
4. Cross-Ventilation & Passive Cooling: The open-plan layout and strategic window placements promote natural airflow, reducing the need for artificial cooling.
5. Low-Maintenance Materials: The use of burnt brick masonry for the ground level resists salinity, moisture, and erosion, ensuring long-term durability.

A Functional & Inviting Coastal Retreat

Designed as a vacation home, Los Aposentos House features a well-balanced public-private layout. The structure consists of:

• Three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, offering comfortable accommodations.
• An open-concept social area, integrating the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, which extend onto a spacious sea-facing terrace.
• A ground floor storage and service area, along with parking spaces.
• Two access points: a direct entrance from the parking area and a scenic ramp following the natural terrain slope.

By embracing sustainable design, resilient materials, and vernacular principles, Los Aposentos House stands as a model for climate-adaptive architecture in coastal Ecuador.

All Photographs are works of Francesco Russo