TC House in Cuenca by Arqcor — Modern Brick Residence

The TC House by Arqcor Proyectos Arquitectura in Cuenca, Ecuador is a single-level residence in the shape of an L that combines principles of modern design with local craftsmanship traditions. With its modest facade, expansive rear windows and carefully selected material contrasts, the house embodies a balance between privacy, openness and temporal architectural expressions.

Project Overview

Situated in the Chalhuambamba valley, just outside Cuenca, the house harmoniously integrates into the topography of the site. The L-shape allows extending public areas towards gardens and surrounding mountains while keeping the front facade minimalist and internal.

This approach not only respects the natural topography of the land but also creates two distinct personalities: a calm, closed side facing the street and an open, transparent connection to the private backyard.

Design Concept: Inspiration from Modernism

The house draws inspiration from classic modern homes of the 1950s, where simplicity of form, expressive structure and smooth transitions between interior and exterior spaces were predominant.

• Front Facade: Solid and confidential, consisting of overlapping volumes and planes without openings, enhancing a sense of seclusion.

• Rear Facade: Transparent and spacious, with large windows that dissolve the boundaries between living spaces and the garden.

• Flat roofs of varying heights: They highlight volumes, add dynamism to the composition and allow natural light to penetrate public areas.

This dialogue between inside and outside, privacy and openness is a key element of the design.

Materials and Atmosphere

A defining material is the traditional brick of Cuenca, crafted by local masters in a narrower format to emphasize horizontality and proportion. Warm brick tones contrast with black metal structure and natural wooden finishes, creating a vivid warm-cold contrast.

This interaction of materials ensures both durability and character:

• Brick adds texture, warmth and local authenticity.

• Metal expresses structure and modern clarity.

• Wood softens interiors and adds natural warmth.

The result is a residence that feels rooted in its cultural context while clearly expressing modern design.

Interior Organization and Spatial Qualities

The single-level layout enhances accessibility and fluidity. Public areas—living room, dining area, and kitchen—are located at the intersection of the L-shape, connected directly to the garden through wide glass openings.

Private bedrooms are positioned on either side, providing privacy and offering framed views of the mountains. The semi-height created by offsetting roof planes introduces indirect light inside, adding depth and improving spatial comfort.

The integration of volumes, light, and views guarantees that each space enjoys a strong connection with nature while preserving intimacy.

Connection to the Landscape

One of the most important aspects of the TC House is its interaction with the Chalhuambamba landscape. The front section protects inhabitants from public street activity, while the rear side opens up to surrounding greenery and mountain views.

Large windows transform the garden into an extension of interior space, blurring boundaries between built and natural. This underscores the modern roots of the house while maintaining its uniqueness and personalization for a specific place.

The TC House by Arqcor Proyectos Arquitectura is an elegant modern residence reflecting both local tradition and international architectural heritage. Its modernism inspiration, brick treatment, and sensitive integration with the landscape make it an outstanding project in Cuenca.

Balancing openness and privacy, warmth and restraint, the TC House demonstrates how contemporary architecture in Ecuador can remain deeply rooted in place, offering a timeless modern lifestyle.

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