Aerocasa: A Garden-House Retreat in Ecuador
Feliu Vega Kennedy Arquitectura blends living space with nature in Cuenca
1Garden-first philosophy
The Aerocasa project reverses conventional priorities by designing primarily as a garden, secondarily as a house. This 110m² concrete structure in Cuenca, Ecuador serves as a retreat from urban life, where the resident coexists with plants and dogs. Architect Feliu Vega Kennedy leads the team that includes Paola Preti O, Ricardo Vera T, and Ruben Tapia M. The design consciously subordinates living spaces to the natural environment rather than dominating it.
2Minimal footprint integration
Built on a compact 110m² footprint, the house demonstrates how small-scale architecture can create meaningful connections with nature. The concrete construction provides thermal mass while maintaining visual lightness. JAG Studio's photographs reveal how the structure emerges from its garden setting rather than imposing upon it. This approach reflects growing architectural trends prioritizing harmony with natural elements over square footage maximization.
3Tactile material selection
Concrete serves as the primary material, chosen for its durability and aesthetic compatibility with the garden environment. The textural quality of exposed concrete complements organic elements while requiring minimal maintenance. This material decision supports the project's low-intervention philosophy, where the architecture facilitates rather than competes with the natural experience. The material palette remains intentionally limited to reinforce the garden's prominence.
4Biophilic design execution
The design team implemented biophilic principles by making plant life an integral architectural component rather than decorative afterthought. Living spaces are organized around the garden, with spatial relationships carefully considered to maintain constant visual and physical access to greenery. This creates what the architects describe as an 'inhabitable garden' - a space where domestic functions occur within rather than adjacent to nature.
5Contextual response
Located in Cuenca, Ecuador, the project responds to both cultural and climatic conditions. The garden-house concept provides respite from urban density while addressing regional preferences for indoor-outdoor living. The compact form and material choices reflect an understanding of local construction practices and environmental factors. This demonstrates how site-specific solutions can emerge from universal design principles.
6Team composition
Feliu Vega Kennedy Arquitectura assembled a specialized team for this residential project, including lead architect Feliu Vega Kennedy and collaborators Paola Preti O, Ricardo Vera T, and Ruben Tapia M. The collective expertise allowed for precise execution of the garden-house vision while maintaining architectural rigor. This collaborative approach reflects contemporary practice models where focused teams tackle specific project typologies.
7Photographic documentation
JAG Studio's photographs capture how the completed structure fulfills its design intent. The images emphasize the seamless transition between built and natural elements, showcasing how architectural boundaries dissolve within the garden context. This visual documentation proves particularly valuable for a project where spatial experience matters more than formal representation.
8Therapeutic space-making
By prioritizing psychological comfort over conventional domestic programming, Aerocasa represents a growing architectural typology addressing mental wellbeing. The design creates what the architects term 'tender company' - an environment fostering calm through controlled exposure to nature. This approach demonstrates architecture's potential to serve as therapeutic infrastructure rather than mere shelter.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Aerocasa: A Garden-House Retreat in Ecuador