Ecuador's Cholán Nests House features suspended timber bedrooms under eucalyptus roof
A former warehouse transforms into an airy live-work space with innovative material reuse.
1From Warehouse to Home
The project transformed a deteriorating 105 sqm block-walled warehouse in rural Ecuador into a functional residence and artist studio. Architects Marie Combette and Daniel Moreno Flores preserved the original masonry structure while completely reimagining the failing clay-tile roof. The existing building had gradually transitioned from storage to living space through years of makeshift repairs before the architects' intervention. Moisture damage and structural instability necessitated the comprehensive renovation that created this unique hybrid space.
2The Eucalyptus Canopy
The most striking architectural element is the lightweight roof structure made from locally sourced eucalyptus poles. This airy canopy rises above the original walls, creating enough vertical space to suspend two bedroom 'nests' beneath it. The design references a nearby Cholán tree, integrating the home with its natural surroundings. The roof's construction uses split cane for broad overhead surfaces, coconut fiber for thermal insulation, and recycled egg cartons for acoustic control beneath the metal roofing. This innovative material combination achieves both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
3Suspended Bedroom Nests
Two elevated bedrooms float within the new roof volume, creating a striking visual contrast with the solid masonry below. These 'nests' combine the privacy of sleeping quarters with an open, loft-like atmosphere through their exposed timber construction. Wooden walkways connect the bedrooms while offering views down into the studio and living areas below. The design maintains visual connections throughout the space, with tension cables, round poles, and continuous cane ceilings remaining visible as intentional design features rather than being concealed.
4Material Reuse Strategy
The project demonstrates exceptional material economy by repurposing timbers from the demolished roof as new flooring and structural elements. This circular approach extends to other components like salvaged boards that became interior finishes. The architects balanced preservation with innovation - maintaining the original block walls while completely reworking the upper structure. Even the acoustic solution uses humble recycled egg cartons, showcasing creative problem-solving with limited resources. This approach significantly reduced construction waste while adding narrative depth to the design.
5Environmental Connections
New glass facades and clerestory windows establish visual relationships with the surrounding landscape that the original warehouse lacked. The raised roof improves natural lighting and air circulation throughout the interior. Strategic openings frame views of the distinctive Cholán tree and distant mountains, grounding the home in its rural context. From the exterior, the design creates a striking contrast between the pale masonry base and the band of eucalyptus posts supporting the broad, sheltering roof above.
6Spatial Reorganization
At ground level, the architects removed an interior wall to create a more continuous living space connecting kitchen, studio, and garden areas. The studio occupies a position near the entrance, while the main living areas flow toward outdoor spaces through enlarged openings in the original shell. This reorganization maintains the building's industrial character while adapting it for contemporary living and working needs. The layout takes advantage of the double-height spaces created by the new roof structure.
7Technical Improvements
Beyond aesthetic changes, the renovation addressed fundamental building performance issues. The team implemented drainage solutions and waterproofing to combat the moisture problems that had plagued the original structure. They reinforced the block walls to support the new lightweight upper level. These technical upgrades ensure the building's longevity while accommodating its transformed use. The project demonstrates how thoughtful interventions can preserve a structure's essence while radically improving its functionality.
8Architectural Honesty
The completed design celebrates its transformation rather than concealing it. Concrete block, recycled wood, eucalyptus poles and woven cane each retain their distinct material character, creating a visible record of the building's evolution. This honest approach results in a space that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated - literally and figuratively. The project shows how adaptive reuse can yield spaces with more narrative depth and character than conventional new construction, especially when executed with such material sensitivity.