Old Meets New: Inside a Stunning Earth House Transformation

Florinda House is a 123 square meter residence completed in 2026 by Alvarino and Felipe Arquitectos in Loja, Ecuador. The project transformed an old earthen house that had fallen into ruin into the architect's own home. Rather than demolishing it, they preserved its rammed earth walls and traditional tiled roof, using the existing structure as the foundation for a contemporary adaptation of Ecuador's highland vernacular architecture. The original house already responded naturally to its surroundings. Set on a small hill between two seasonal streams, its position helps protect it from rainwater runoff, while its orientation opens toward the landscape. The thick earthen walls also provide thermal comfort in the Andean climate. The renovation builds on these qualities, introducing more light, ventilation, and functional spaces without losing the character of the original house. Inside, an existing wall was removed to expand the living room and create a more connected central space. A new rear volume accommodates the bathroom and laundry, with a lower and narrower profile that clearly distinguishes the addition from the original structure. This contrast allows the historic earthen building to remain the dominant form, while giving the house the functions required for contemporary living. The generous ceiling height is used to add lightweight steel frame mezzanines above the kitchen and bedroom, increasing usable space without heavily loading the existing walls. Portions of the rammed earth remain exposed throughout the interior, preserving the texture and traces of the original construction. Combined with simple white surfaces and natural light, these elements create a quiet dialogue between the old and the new.