situated in the city of cuenca, ecuador, ruptura morlaca architecture has completed ?cement curtain? ? a workshop built around an existing mediagua (a type of small, prefabricated timber building). the brief behind the project sought to preserve the original structure, which previously served as an office, while forming new wings encompassing a central green space. by combining recycled materials with large expanses of glazing, the resulting design provides users with a place to enjoy a view of nature within an urban context.

all images © oscar moscoso
 
 
upon entering the site from the street, there are two pedestrian accesses. the gravel path is assigned to the informal entrance of the house as it brings the user closer to a natural context by the sound it generates. while there is also a cement platform that is designed by the architects as the more formal entrance as it is positioned to gain entry to the office. planned over one floor, the scheme is programmed around the central courtyard, with the kitchen, dining and office all in direct contact with the outdoor area.
 
 
the new intervention uses recycled materials from previous works, such as iron for the whole structure and glass and fiber cement plates on the roof and façade. the 4 x 4 cm iron structural elements are used to shape the kitchen doors and windows, as well as the structure of the façade that supports the fiber cement plates on the outside and the shelves inside, creating a ?furniture wall? t...