Hidden Stone House Puembo, Modern Ecuador real estate photos, South American property development

Hidden Stone House in Puembo, Ecuador

24 March 2025

Architects: A1 Arquitectura Avanzada

Location: Puembo, Pichincha, Ecuador, South America

Hidden Stone House in Puembo, Pichincha

Photos by Paolo Caicedo

Hidden Stone House, Ecuador

Biomimetic Architecture is a line of advanced architecture that seeks to find sustainable solutions by analyzing nature through the understanding of the principles that are found in different environments and species. This architecture does not try to replicate the forms found in nature, instead, it attempts to understand their operation and evolution, with the aim of empowering architectural objects to be more efficient and functional.

One of the research branches of Biomimetic Architecture is the Symbiotic Architecture, that seeks to fully integrate with the environment, generating a positive impact on the biogenesis of a given ecosystem. It focuses on favoring natural conditions and, through this, enhancing the specific conditions of architectural spaces. Its main objective is to make architecture an integral part of the existing natural biotype.

When architecture and nature are blended with symbiotic strategies, the result of enhancing the 2 elements in a harmonic composition is obtained.

The Hidden Stone House project is developed by molding the geometry and positioning itself among some pre-existing endemic trees. Respect for existing nature and the mimetic location produce a symbiotic harmonic space where users live in an ideal ecosystem. Vegetation and architecture merge and enhance each other, generating spatial relationships and unique sensory perceptions.

The harmony that the project reflects is the result of balancing 2 important components: nature and architecture. The generation of a symbiotic ecosystem was used, as an applied strategy, where, through respect, adaptation and mutual potentialization, nature and architecture coexist in balance within the same space.

In addition, the project incorporates, as a theoretical strategy, Material Sensitivity, which is the ability of the materials of an architectural object to transmit sensory perceptions and activate the senses of those who inhabit it. Textures, colors, porosity, regularity, temperatures, permeability and weight, are some of the characteristics that allow combinations of materials to be established. This aims to transmit one or another specific sensation to the user who inhabits a space and enhances a specific spatial vocation. The exploration of materials allows enhancing the spatial qualities of each element and the relationships in an architectural composition.

The bioclimatic advantages of incorporating nature in the project mean that the developed habitat always has comfortable conditions. The resulting biomimetic architecture, fully adapted to the natural environment, obtains powerful sensory conditions and transmits harmonic perceptions to its inhabitants. Such conditions are reinforced by applying sensory sensitivity to differentiate the various existing spatial vocations in the project. As a consequence, the architecture adapts and integrates with the existing natural biotype.

Can you elaborate on the concept of symbiotic architecture and how the Hidden Stone House integrates with its natural surroundings to create a harmonious living environment?

Hidden Stone House has received 11 international architecture awards:

1. Architecture MasterPrize
2. LIV Hospitality Design Awards
3. International Space Design Idea – Tops
4. International Architecture & Design
5. International HOUZEE Design
6. Paris Design Awards
7. Kyoto Global Design Awards
8. International Design Awards IDA
9. International Golden Trezzini
10. World Design Award.
11. Luxury Life Style Awards