- Project: TC House
- Architect: Arqcor Proyectos Arquitectura
- Location: Ecuador, Cuenca
- Year: 2022
- Area: 388 m2
- Photography: Nicolás Provoste C
TC House by Arqcor Proyectos Arquitectura in Cuenca, Ecuador, is a single-level residence shaped in an “L” form that merges modernist design principles with local craftsmanship. With its restrained front, expansive rear glazing, and careful material contrasts, the house embodies a balance of privacy, openness, and timeless architectural expression.
Project Overview
Located in the valley of Challuabamba, just outside Cuenca, the residence unfolds seamlessly along the contours of its site. The L-shaped configuration allows the house to extend social areas outward toward the gardens and surrounding mountains, while keeping the front façade minimal and introspective.
This approach not only respects the land’s natural topography but also creates two distinct identities: a quiet, closed face to the street and an open, transparent relationship to the private backyard.
Design Concept: Modernist Inspiration
The house draws inspiration from classic modernist homes of the 1950s, where simplicity of form, expressive structure, and fluidity between indoors and outdoors prevailed.
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Front façade: Solid and private, composed of overlapping volumes and planes without openings, reinforcing a sense of seclusion.
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Rear façade: Transparent and expansive, featuring large windows that dissolve boundaries between living areas and gardens.
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Flat roofs at varying heights: These articulate the volumes, bring dynamism to the composition, and allow natural light to filter into social spaces.
This dialogue of introversion and extroversion, privacy and openness, is central to the design.
Materiality & Atmosphere
The defining material is traditional Cuenca brick, crafted by local artisans in a slimmer-than-usual format to emphasize horizontality and proportion. The warm tones of brick are juxtaposed with black metal structure and natural wood finishes, creating a striking warm–cold contrast.
This interplay of materials establishes both durability and character:
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Brick provides texture, warmth, and local identity.
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Metal expresses structure and modern clarity.
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Wood softens interiors and adds natural warmth.
The result is a residence that feels grounded in its cultural context while clearly expressing contemporary design.
Interior Organization & Spatial Qualities
The single-level plan enhances accessibility and fluidity. Social spaces—living, dining, and kitchen—are placed at the intersection of the “L,” with wide glass openings connecting directly to the garden.
Private bedrooms extend along the wings, ensuring privacy while enjoying framed views of the mountains. The half-height created by offset roof planes introduces indirect light into interiors, adding depth and enhancing spatial comfort.
The integration of volumes, light, and views ensures every space benefits from a strong connection to the outdoors while maintaining intimacy.
Connection with Landscape
One of the most significant aspects of TC House is its relationship with the Challuabamba landscape. While the front shields occupants from the public street, the back opens generously to the surrounding greenery and mountain vistas.
Large windows transform the garden into an extension of the interior, blurring the lines between built and natural. This approach reinforces the home’s modernist roots while ensuring it remains site-specific and personal to its location.
TC House by Arqcor Proyectos Arquitectura is a refined modern residence that reflects both local tradition and international architectural heritage. Its modernist inspiration, crafted brick materiality, and sensitive integration with site and landscape make it a standout project in Cuenca.
Balancing openness and privacy, warmth and restraint, TC House demonstrates how contemporary Ecuadorian architecture can remain deeply rooted in place while offering timeless modern living.
