Like we saw in Turkey a few months back, the predominant construction system of concrete structure with heavy brick and block walls, proves itself as a deadly combination almost always. In the case of Ecuador, during the 2016 earthquake all deaths were caused by building collapse, 66% due to structural failure, 34% due to heavy walls collapsing. Concrete structures can be built safely, but heavy brick and block walls not only increase unnecessary weight and complexity to these structures, but are practically impossible to use safely at any scale.
arquitectura x
Quito, Ecuador
2018 – 2023
Design and Supervision:
arquitectura x, Adrian Moreno, Maria Samaniego.
Santiago Armijos, Paula Cardenas, Chiara Stornaiolo, Macarena Reinoso.
Eco-efficiency:
ECODIVERCITY Carolina Proaño.
Client: INMOZLION S. A.
Construction: Marcelo Lara Ing.
Structural Engineer: Juan Carlos Garcés
Photos: Bicubik, Sebastián Crespo, Andrés Fernández
Manufacturers / Products:
Fiber cement siding and boards: PLYCEM
Steel structure: DEACERO
Steel framing and drywall: DECOR GYPSUM
Floors, Bathroom and kitchen furniture, doors and closets: CARPINTEX
Bathroom and kitchen fixtures and fittings: FV
Ceramic floor and wall finishes: HOME VEGA, FV, GRAIMAN
Aluminium windows and doors, steel and glass: HG ALUMINIO Y VIDRIO, CEDAL
Electrical systems, fittings and equipment: OCTANS
Hydro Sanitary, solar heating systems and equipment: HIDROSISTEM
At the same time, this construction system is extremely polluting and wasteful, not only due to carbon dioxide emissions, but to intense water contamination and averages of 50% of material waste. In Ecuador and Quito in particular, water pollution and waste is one of the most important problems we face; thanks to our temperate climate, energy consumption in buildings is very low, artificial heating or cooling is not necessary, nor is heavy insulation, double facades, double glassing, etc. The biggest problems are contained in construction as such.
We have taken the opportunity of a commercial commission to address these problems in the one building type that most needs them solved, proposing alternative construction systems and strategies, with local, low tech solutions that can be reproduced widely.
Very importantly, the construction system is at the same time the formal system of the building, it is not covered or hidden, but fully expressed as it is to the city and users. The result is far removed from the fashionable terracotta colours and lovely ad hoc brick shapes that flood the current media, but is coherent and honest in its intention to become a feasible option for responsible, efficient and safe construction in our region.
Please let me know if the material is ok for your publication or you need any more information.
