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San Tola Cohousing The project stems from private group's to invest and an architectural firm's to promote quality housing in Quito's Historic Center

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Nationality
Ecuador
Group
Taller General
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#QuitoHousing #HistoricCenter #UrbanRevitalization #QualityLiving

About Project

Housing in Quito’s historic center no longer meets modern needs, accelerating population decline. As with many architectural interventions, reliance on tourism for the local economy resulted in erosion of residents’ sense of belonging, while former homes repurposed as warehouses or temporary shops were left neglected, weakening the vitality of the local community.

The San Tola Cohousing project began by revitalizing an 800 m² residence built in the late 19th century. The building, once deserted due to humidity, cracks, and material decay, was reinforced while preserving its original adobe walls of varying thickness, ensuring durability and adaptability to new uses.

The architectural strategy centered on the restoration and strengthening of what already existed. Within the reinforced adobe structure, eight apartments and two shops were created, with simple finishes allowing residents to add their own character. The severely damaged eucalyptus-wood roof was dismantled, reusable pieces salvaged, and longer elements replaced with steel tensors before reassembly. Wooden floors, doors, and windows were restored and reused.

A large laminated-timber structure and glass roof now cover the shared courtyard, bringing light and warmth indoors to create a pleasant living environment. Adjustments to the roof and corridors improved daylight access, while perforated steel for the main stair and corridors allows light to filter throughout the building. The result is a high-quality communal space for residents to share.

By maximizing the reuse and extension of existing infrastructure and materials, the project directly reduces construction waste and fosters circular resource use. The revived historic center — already equipped with public transport and infrastructure — has become a foundation for sustainable urban living for the residents.

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