Villa La Carmela by DOSarq + BUDA + BEarq – Family-Oriented Modern Residence in Loja, Ecuador

Villa La Carmela, designed collaboratively by DOSarq, BUDA, and BEarq, is a 330 m² contemporary residential complex located in Loja, Ecuador. Completed in 2021, this thoughtful architectural project was commissioned by a patriarch who envisioned a home that balances privacy, family connection, and leisure. Nestled on an 11,840 ft² plot at the meeting point of a river slope and forested areas of pine and eucalyptus, the villa takes full advantage of its serene valley location, capturing the warmth of the afternoon sun and embracing the surrounding landscape.

The design consists of four independent houses, arranged side by side and parallel to the street, with a central void forming a common courtyard. This spatial organization allows the grandfather’s house to remain slightly separated from the children’s homes while promoting family interaction through shared open spaces. The project emphasizes versatility and adaptability, providing private, semi-private, and communal areas that respond to different daily routines and intergenerational needs.

A central element of the design is the innovative use of patios to orchestrate connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. Three types of patios define the villa’s spatial hierarchy:

1. Private patios for each unit, enclosed by masonry or landscaping on three sides, opening subtly to personal spaces.
2. The common courtyard, formed by the parallel and tangent volumes, with carefully positioned openings that integrate with the natural landscape.
3. The coffee patio, a modest but essential void aligned with the geometric axis, serves as the main gathering space for family interactions.

Villa La Carmela demonstrates a commitment to material honesty and craftsmanship. Exposed concrete, steel, and handmade ceramic bricks without plaster define the aesthetic, creating a tactile and visually rich environment. A concrete base supports white masonry walls with imperfect textures, while heavy concrete slabs or light gabled roofs cap the volumes. Modular steel elements and finely crafted carpentry enhance functionality while reinforcing the villa’s contemporary character.

The villa is carefully designed to balance individual privacy with communal living, allowing each family member to retreat at the end of the day while remaining connected through the shared courtyards. This approach creates a harmonious dialogue between the four houses, where spaces converse without conflict, reflecting the progressive and inclusive vision of its owner.

Villa La Carmela exemplifies contemporary residential design that prioritizes family life, environmental integration, and material authenticity. Its architecture celebrates connection, flexibility, and tranquility, offering a modern yet timeless rural retreat in Ecuador’s scenic Loja region.

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