Perucho House by Pedro Calle + El Sindicato Arquitectura: A Compact Wooden Refuge in the Ecuadorian Highlands

Nestled in the rural landscape of Perucho, a serene parish in the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador, Perucho House emerges as a modest yet thoughtfully crafted architectural retreat. Designed by Pedro Calle in collaboration with El Sindicato Arquitectura, this 72-square-meter home was completed in 2023 as a refuge for a city dweller seeking peace, nature, and seclusion.

A Rural Escape Rooted in Context

Surrounded by lush vegetation and panoramic mountain views, the Perucho House embraces its natural environment with a design intent focused on connection, privacy, and simplicity. Its remote setting offers an escape from urban life, encouraging a lifestyle attuned to the rhythms of nature.

The architects aimed to enhance this sense of refuge by blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. Expansive west-facing windows capture the breathtaking Andean landscape, while a continuous skin of fired tiles along the south, roof, and north façades provides visual privacy and a sense of protective enclosure. This tile skin forms a monolithic envelope that shelters the home from nearby neighbors and the adjacent rural road.

Spatial Organization: Public Below, Private Above

Designed with functional clarity, the layout is divided into two levels. The ground floor contains all the public areas, including a compact kitchen, dining area, living room, bathroom, and a covered outdoor deck that invites interaction with the surrounding forest.

The upper level hosts private functions, including a main bedroom, workspace, guest accommodations, and a second bathroom. This clear division enhances privacy while allowing the lower level to remain open and socially inviting.

Prefabrication and Environmental Sensitivity

A key feature of the Perucho House is its sustainable and efficient construction system. Built in a solid wood workshop, the house utilizes prefabricated wooden elements that were transported to the site for quick assembly. This method not only minimized environmental impact but also reduced construction costs and logistical complexity, reflecting a deep respect for the ecological context.

The use of natural materials, particularly wood and terracotta, reinforces the home’s warm, tactile character while blending harmoniously with its forested surroundings. These materials age gracefully, evolving with the seasons and anchoring the home to its environment.

A Humble Yet Powerful Architectural Gesture

While compact in size, Perucho House is rich in design intention. It stands as a contemporary rural dwelling that demonstrates how architecture can create a profound sense of place through material honesty, contextual sensitivity, and spatial clarity. This retreat doesn’t seek grandeur but rather offers a humble and reflective lifestyle rooted in simplicity and nature.

By prioritizing visual serenity, local craftsmanship, and low-impact building techniques, Pedro Calle and El Sindicato Arquitectura have crafted more than just a house—they’ve created a sanctuary that speaks to the timeless desire for peace, privacy, and connection with the land.

All Photographs are works of Francesco Russo, Andrés Villota