Casa Binocular

Casa Binocular: A contemporary shelter.
Casa Binocular, located in Puembo, a parish of the Metropolitan District of Quito, is a single-family home built during the pandemic period. During Covid -19, we had to reconsider our way of living, hence rethink our homes. The houses also became offices, schools, hospitals, gyms, etc. Green spaces, family, tranquility, and harmony were truly valued. Its owners, a young couple, with a young child, and another one on the way, needed to create a solid shelter, a place where they can see their children grow, in a safe environment surrounded by nature. It was within this context that Casa Binocular was built, in response to the new reality and needs of the client.

The objective, was to turn the house into a contemporary refuge, a comfortable and inspiring space, that fosters family unity. To achieve this, a site analysis was carried out, taking into account factors such as topography, soil quality, sunlight, wind, view and security, making the project more efficient so as to take full advantage of the lot's benefits. The needs of the client were also taken into account, not only at the architectural program level, but also at the experience and sensation level.

All of these elements, analyzed in the architectural planning and study phase, led to the following architectural concept: the ground floor of the Casa Binocular facing the street closes (achieving a sense of security and protection) while towards the back it opens up to a garden (a safe space designed to be enjoyed) through a large covered porch, integrating the interior spaces to the exterior areas. The double height in the living and dining room area allows for a visual and social relation between the first floor and ground floor, achieving a fluid space, thus inviting its users who are in the private area to go down and relate to the covered outdoor porch and back garden.

There are spaces in the house, both on the ground floor and first floor, that change according to the client’s needs. On the ground floor, the free façade opens through glass sliding doors which stack, allowing the interior space to be extended to the exterior. Plus, there is a large sliding wooden door which has the option of opening and integrating a multi-purpose area to the main dining room. On the first floor, there is a versatile space which is now being used as a play area, but its function could change in the future.

The view, a defining factor in this project, is framed and enhanced by the use of lintels and planters. The West façade, where the master bedroom and terrace are located, serves as an observation point allowing to see what is happening around the house. The East façade, on the other hand, where the other bedrooms are, is protected and faces the garden in the back.

The perception of the interior space of the house, supported by the materiality, generates sensations that are transformed into architecture. The exposed reinforced concrete structure gives us the feeling of solidity and security; the recycled metal columns allow us to walk around and feel the space more fluid; while, the white interior walls give us tranquility and a feeling of spaciousness.

The Binocular House is a contemporary refuge; a comfortable and inspiring space that fosters family togetherness.