Designed by PJCArchitecture in collaboration with the Juan Pablo Ribadeneira Mora architecture studio, this family home embraces its natural surroundings harmoniously blending the boundaries between interior and exterior.

The house's structure was decided based on its location. Facing west, Cumbaya House offers breathtaking views of the Quito mountains. The bottom of the property, covered in brick, allows heat to be absorbed in the afternoon and radiated throughout the space at night. The white stucco on the upper floor helps to reflect and mediate the intense sunlight that is felt in this region. Managing the strong light and equatorial heat proved to be a challenge for the team, who incorporated a vertical wooden screen in the porch as a solution, serving a dual purpose: protecting the interiors from excessive sunlight and preserving natural light.

The architecture and design of Cumbaya House is quite interesting: the property is made up of two large blocks interconnected by an entrance hallway which acts as a limiting axis between the public spaces, ideal for receiving guests, and the more private interiors.

Thinking of quality time spent with friends and family, the architects designed a large living and dining room with double-height ceilings in one of the house's blocks. Through sliding glass doors, the space connects to a porch with a fireplace and a barbecue area. Designed for relaxing and enjoying nature, this outdoor living room also features a passage to the kitchen.

Covered with wood panelling in warm tones, the kitchen located in the second block of the house features a beautiful island overlooking the back garden. The first floor is complemented by a living room, a bathroom and a suite. A minimalist travertine marble staircase leads to the second floor, comprising a living room for the family to relax and enjoy quality time together and two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The master suite is distinctive for its double-height ceiling and large window facing the mountains. The bathroom with direct connection to the dressing room is a dream: with a floating bathtub and a breathtaking view of nature.

The couple and their two daughters were looking for an unconventional office space. The architects took advantage of the natural inclination of the land and created an underground room ideal for working, without disturbing the visual harmony of the house.

Cumbaya House resulted in a perfect balance between the leisure spaces and the more private areas and the light and continuous flow between the interior and exterior, promoting a harmonious environment with privileged views of the majestic mountains of Quito.