San Telmo Apartments by ERDC Architects – Affordable, Adaptable Housing in Quito

San Telmo Apartments, designed by ERDC Architects, is a thoughtfully planned multifamily housing project located in the Valle de Los Chillos, Quito. Developed under Ecuador’s public housing framework, the project balances affordable housing requirements with quality design and long-term adaptability for families. Homes are priced up to $70,000, with a maximum sale price per square meter of $890, making them accessible to a broad range of residents.

Concept and Design Strategy

The primary challenge of San Telmo Apartments was to deliver economically viable, dignified, and comfortable living spaces that could evolve with residents’ needs over time. To meet strict budget requirements without compromising on quality, ERDC Architects minimized construction costs and reduced project timelines. This approach allowed for a profitable yet feasible development, making housing execution possible while maintaining high standards of comfort and design.

Material Innovation

The project emphasizes the use of exposed, honest materials to enhance both aesthetics and durability. Key strategies include:

• Exposed steel structure and mezzanine metal deck
• Rectified block walls for superior thermal and acoustic performance
• Permeable brick walls
• Visible electrical and hydrosanitary installations using galvanized pipes and copper
• Polished and oxidized concrete floors
• OSB wood partition panels and floor-to-ceiling doors without lintel casting
• Custom cutout furniture without hardware

This careful attention to materiality creates aesthetic value, functional durability, and a sense of refined minimalist design, all while maintaining affordable construction costs.

Apartment Typology and Layout

San Telmo Apartments feature 22 typology units, each measuring 72 m² with an additional 10 m² terrace and double-height spaces. The units are organized in blocks of up to six apartments, maximizing the efficiency of a single vertical circulation core per block. This design enhances private areas while freeing up ground-level communal spaces, including large covered and open gathering areas.

Each apartment includes three bedrooms with a more generous mezzanine height than typical public housing, creating a sense of spaciousness and light. Additionally, the project integrates flexible architectural elements, allowing residents to adapt and personalize spaces over time according to family needs.

Sustainable and Community-Oriented Approach

By prioritizing cost-effective construction, durable materials, and adaptable living spaces, San Telmo Apartments provide a high-quality, affordable housing solution that strengthens community interaction while meeting the long-term needs of its residents.