The pictures and text materials of the work were provided by Diego Guayasamin from Ecuador, an architect who won 2014 IAI Best Design Award (Architecture)

Guayasamin architectural museum

Location: Quito, Ecuador

Author: ARQ.Gustavo Guayasamin /ARQ.Diego Guayasamin

Land area: 6000.00 square meters

Building area: 1800.00 square meters

Year: 2006

Photograph: Sebastian Crespo

Location:

The selection of the land was a long and very important process because we wanted a preferential space that enhances the expectations of the project; that is located on the outskirts of Quito, but directly related to the city and with an important area requirement. These objectives were reflected in a hill in the Rancho San Francisco - Cumbayásector. The location of the land implies a clear visual finish, a strong presence, for the urbanizations of the sector and at the same time allow shaving a privileged view of the Cumbayá valley and its surroundings.

Site:

Since the terrain implied a steep slope, the firstapproach was to integrate the project into the topography of the terrain and implant it in the highest and predominant part to gain height. Taking advantage of the slope, slopes were designed in grass that serve as a natural base forthe proposed architecture. The social areas are oriented towards the snowy Cotopaxi. The bedroom area is directly facing the morning sun and overlooking the Cumbayá Valley where in the background the Eastern Cordillera and the snow-capped Antisana and Cayambe can be seen. The internal areas such as thestudy, family room and others "open" towards an Interior patio with awater mirror and in the middle of it a Pre-Columbian Landmark designed byArchitect Gustavo Guayasamin, as the vertical axis of the project.

Architecture:

As an image, the house is an architectural, leading,dynamic volumetry. It is the articulation of white volumes with a very clearand defined rhythm, sloping exterior walls, all of which are intended to be aninterpretation of the environment, specifically the Andes Mountains. The roofshave the same treatment as the sloping walls, thus creating the idea of the“fifth façade”. Cover-Facade equally important in the aesthetic composition. Itis a modern project that rescues elements of traditional Ecuadorian architecture such as: walls - bearing walls, stone plinths, internal patio witha water element, a large presence of walls - canvases versus perforations for windows,the vast majority recessed to create effects. light and shadow, among others.

One of the Architects' decisions was to build anexterior architectural diaphragm, which acts as a screen in its most literal sense. That is to say, like a blank sheet that is integrated into the architecture and projects it; determining the pool space of the vehicular circulation area.

Program:

The house is divided into three levels: a sub-floor where parking lots and warehouses are located with service housing and spaces foremployees, which can function independently. A main floor where most of thecomponents of the complex are developed and a mezzanine for guests and a cinemaroom.

The main floor has been zoned into three large spaces:bedroom block, social areas and independent suite, distributed alternately along the main circulation axis that begins at the entrance of the residenceand ends, at the other end, with the entrance to the suite. In the center ofthis route, is the axis of vertical circulation through an elevator.

There is an additional recreational area, where there is an endless pool with a waterfall finish, a green area and a viewing terrace.

Interior architecture:

Inside, the house follows the same approach asoutside, simplicity, but with a strong image. A white envelope for walls andceilings with a contrasting dark base. The color of the different spaces ishigh lighted only by works of art of three types: colonial pictorial and sculptural art, pre-Columbian archeology and contemporary painting by Guayasamin.For each of these pieces, specific spaces and niches have been designed as partof the interior architecture.

In the same way, you can define two different types ofscales and sensations. One friendly for private spaces and another, largeformat for social areas that contribute to the idea of a museum. As acomplement to the interior architecture, furniture has been designed that is inproportion to the space, specific carpentry for the project. Imported furniture, decorative objects, fabrics and tapestries. Museum-specific lighting design, integrated audio and security systems, among others.

Conclusions and Results:

The intention of the designers was always to make adifferent proposal, but with a strong identity. Consistent with its context andits design style. Contributing in this way with a reference of what is or canbe contemporary Ecuadorian architecture.

This project can also be understood as an experimentin which the experience and solvency of a mature architect has been merged with the new concerns and expectations of a young architect. At the same time, it isthe epilogue of the work of Arq. Gustavo Guayasamin with almost 60 years ofprofessional practice, who at 80 years of age has been able to conceive aproject of these characteristics.

Similarly, the Guayasamin House Museum has beenawarded nationally and internationally; Within these recognitions we canhighlight the Icons of Design Award for the best House in Latin America in 2006by the Architectural Digest Magazine and an Honorable Mention by theMunicipality of Quito. La Casa has been published in various books and specialized magazines around the world.

Leading facades in balance and harmony; fluid and simple spaces; light, nature and serenity are some of the qualities that we canattribute to this project; a house, a home to receive and share, to enjoy the everyday and exalt the human.

The result, a house museum that in itself is anarchitectural sculpture.