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Residential

Chachimbiro House by C/ELC

Nestled in the mountainous region of Chachimbiro, Ecuador, this cabin project is a respectful response to its natural setting—just steps away from the region’s renowned hot springs. The design blends traditional construction techniques with modern aesthetics, resulting in a functional, welcoming space that harmonizes with its environment.

Muhammad Abdullatef - Tifa Studio21 June 20251 Mins read242

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Nestled in the mountainous region of Chachimbiro, Ecuador, this cabin project is a respectful response to its natural setting—just steps away from the region’s renowned hot springs. The design blends traditional construction techniques with modern aesthetics, resulting in a functional, welcoming space that harmonizes with its environment.

Connection to the Site

Set within generous natural surroundings, the cabin’s placement and materials create a strong dialogue with the land. Its design responds directly to the climate, topography, and cultural heritage of the area, offering an immersive experience that invites residents to feel part of the landscape.

Materiality: Adobe Reimagined

The structure is built using adobe, a natural material with deep roots in local building traditions. Sourced directly from the site, adobe offers excellent thermal performance, maintaining a cool interior during the day and retaining warmth at night—ideal for Chachimbiro’s fluctuating temperatures.

Rather than replicating historic styles, adobe is reinterpreted in a modern architectural language, offering a fresh, minimalist expression of this ancient material.

Design Language & Form

With clean lines and simple geometry, the cabin embraces a contemporary look. Large openings and expansive windows visually connect the interior with the outdoors, allowing natural light to flood the spaces and framing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

This interplay between structure and scenery turns the landscape into a vital part of the design.

Interior Layout

The interior prioritizes fluidity and function.

An open-plan kitchen and dining area encourages communal activity and opens directly to the outdoors.
The bedroom serves as a serene retreat—cozy, private, and perfectly positioned for rest after a day at the hot springs.

Each space is designed to enhance the user’s connection to nature and to one another.

Outdoor Integration

Beyond the walls of the cabin, the expansive land includes a dedicated recreational area, encouraging outdoor living and continuous interaction with the natural world. This intentional blending of indoor and outdoor space makes the landscape an active part of daily life.

Simplicity, Sustainability, and Sense of Place

The cabin stands as an honest expression of materials and form. Without unnecessary ornamentation, it conveys warmth, functionality, and deep environmental respect. More than a place to stay, it offers a living experience rooted in the spirit of Chachimbiro—where design, tradition, and nature coexist in harmony.

Photography: AS Studio

Written by

Muhammad Abdullatef - Tifa Studio

Muhammad Abdellatif is the founder of Tifa Studio and an architecture and urban design researcher writing for illustrarch. He holds an M.Arch from Istanbul Technical University and is a PhD candidate in Urban Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, covering cities, parametric design, and the details most people walk past.