Accommodating Above in Ecuador

Minimalist housing units for urban densification – Casa Parásito

Accommodating Above in Ecuador

Minimalist housing units for urban densification – Casa Parásito

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    With the arrival of concrete and metal structures, the flat roof typology spread widely in the city of Quito reaching even the historical neighborhoods. Our project proposes as a safe, conscious and dignified housing alternative that takes advantage of both public and private underused resources of the city. In the photo, San Juan-Quito, popular neighborhood just outside the historical center of the city with the “Parasitic House” installed.

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    The studio chose an A-frame timber structure that allowed for an open space inside to make the most of the limited area.

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    Holcim Awards Acknowledgement prize Latin America

    Winner presentation to Accommodating Above - Minimalist housing units for urban densification, Quito, Ecuador (l-r): Nicolás Viteri, El Sindicato Arquitectura, Quito, Ecuador; Harry Gugger, Member of the Board of the Holcim Foundation, Principal of Harry Gugger Studio, and Professor Emeritus for Architectural & Urban Design, EPFL, Switzerland; María Reinoso Guerrero and Xavier Duque, El Sindicato Arquitectura, Quito, Ecuador; and Loreta Castro Reguera, Head of the Holcim Awards jury Latin America 2020 Design Director and Founder of Taller Capital, Mexico City.

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    On the flat rooftop of a 50-year old 2-storey concrete house, the 12sqm prototype lands to take advantage of the amazing natural and city views given by the low density and dramatic topography of the city. Uncountable underused flat rooftops can be identified from this part of the city. The south-facing frosted glass facade allows natural illumination and ventilation and ensures privacy towards the neighbors.

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    Holcim Awards Acknowledgement prize Latin America

    Winner presentation to Accommodating Above - Minimalist housing units for urban densification, Quito, Ecuador (l-r): Maria Atkinson, Chairperson of the Holcim Foundation (at podium); Nicolás Viteri, El Sindicato Arquitectura, Quito, Ecuador; Harry Gugger, Member of the Board of the Holcim Foundation, Principal of Harry Gugger Studio, and Professor Emeritus for Architectural & Urban Design, EPFL, Switzerland; María Reinoso Guerrero and Xavier Duque, El Sindicato Arquitectura, Quito, Ecuador; and Loreta Castro Reguera, Head of the Holcim Awards jury Latin America 2020 Design Director and Founder of Taller Capital, Mexico City.

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    Problem: Urban Sprawl, “American Dream” styled house, over consumption.

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    Solution: City as an opportunity, Spread the idea, lightweight living.

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    Parasite landing over an underused flat rooftop ready to be plugged (or not).

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    Architectural plans and isometric schemes of the built prototype showing the insulation chamber.

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    Prototype function designed specifically for the user, one of the architects lives there.

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    User customization choices. How to build and transport it? plugged or unplugged? stuff? size? users?

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    The ground level disconnection allows the use of a big glass facade and to ensure privacy.

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    Accommodating Above in Ecuador

    The north facing facade and insulation ensures comfort in both the lofted bed and in the space.

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    Agrarian Enrichment in China

    El Sindicato Arquitectura (l-r): Xavier Duque, María Reinoso, Nicolás Viteri.

  • Awards Acknowledgement prize 2020–2021 Latin America
The project proposes the installation of housing modules to inhabit the unoccupied roofs of existing buildings in a form of urban commensalism. Juxtaposing an extra layer over an existing construction, the strategy is sustainable across many facets: avoiding land speculation and urban sprawl, using existing facilities and infrastructure – thereby offering significant potential for financial savings – and providing affordable housing opportunities for the population.

By Francisco Duque Salazar, María Mercedes Reinoso Guerrero, Jaime Nicolás Viteri Hidalgo - El Sindicato Arquitectura, Quito, Ecuador

Ideas: Inclusion, Housing Needs

Despite the minimalist approach underlying the project, the prototype is designed to be modified and customized to adapt to different users’ needs. The structure is made of unprocessed wood with interior walls in plywood and an exterior metal cladding. The two main opposite façades are fully glazed to admit a generous quantity of daylight inside the space. All components are prefabricated and easy-to assemble, to facilitate the replication of the module in different parts of the city and beyond.

The house attaches to the slab of the existing structure via steel foundations. Within its 12-sqm footprint, Casa Parásito incorporates a bathroom, kitchen, bed, storage and space for eating, working and socialising.

Status: Prototype Completed 2019

Accommodating Above in Ecuador

Project authors

  • Francisco Duque Salazar

    El Sindicato Arquitectura

    Ecuador

  • María Mercedes Reinoso Guerrero

    El Sindicato Arquitectura

    Ecuador

  • Jaime Nicolás Viteri Hidalgo

    El Sindicato Arquitectura

    Ecuador

Words with Winners

This minimalist housing initiative aims to address urban densification in the Ecuadorian capital by using underutilized flat rooftops across the city. The project incorporates lightweight, prefabricated structures that can be easily assembled, offering a low-cost, sustainable solution to urban sprawl.

Accommodating Above in Ecuador

The studio chose an A-frame timber structure that allowed for an open space inside to make the most of the limited area.

We spoke to Jaime Viteri Hidalgo, co-founder of El Sindicato Arquitectura, to discuss the Casa Parásito (Parasite House) project, his innovative approach to using Quito’s underused urban spaces, and the broader sustainability lessons embedded in his design philosophy.

Holcim Foundation Awards 2025

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Holcim Foundation Awards Microsite

Project authors

  • Francisco Duque Salazar

    Architect, El Sindicato Arquitectura

    Ecuador

  • María Mercedes Reinoso Guerrero

    Architect, El Sindicato Arquitectura

    Ecuador

  • Jaime Nicolás Viteri Hidalgo

    Architect, El Sindicato Arquitectura

    Ecuador

Project updates