Holiday 2026 | 19 its focus on nature, with natural elements having been integrated seamlessly into the build. The design of this project stems from the idea of a ‘living core’ (hence its name), which is a central space that the entire project is organised around. Instead of focusing on perimeter façades, the inside-out conception sees the core of the house become the main generator for space, light, and interaction. Essentially, what this means is that the core is not just a courtyard; it has functions like regulating temperature, fostering cross ventilation, and filtering natural light, as well as establishing a constant connection with nature. Transition zones then serve to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, providing a fluid living experience, and green roofs see the natural plane of the neighbouring land extended to minimise the visual presence of the house in its countryside setting. The understated nature of the build also helps to improve energy usage and performance, not to mention aligning it with contemporary trends that position houses as ecosystems. It is in the luxury sector where these changes are felt the most, as only with sizeable budgets and a healthy patch of land can projects of this nature be brought to life. On the back of this, José Daniel told us: “There has been a clear shift in the luxury sector in recent years, moving away from visual opulence towards a more conscious and experiential understanding of space.” He continued: “Luxury is no longer defined by excess, but by the quality of the experience – such as how a space feels, performs, and integrates with its surroundings.” “Our clients are increasingly prioritising wellbeing, environmental responsibility, and a genuine connection with nature.” Design standards across Ecuador have changed as a result, with more thinking and a deeper understanding required when forming an approach to a project. Thankfully, José Daniel and his team have been doing this right from day one, with sustainability, material sensitivity, and context-led designs having long been the calling cards of this advanced architecture studio in Latin America, especially regarding custom highend residential architecture design. The synergy that the studio enjoys with both its clients and its designs has resulted in a number of international awards and global recognition early on in its journey. However, José Daniel is quick to point out that these titles are not an end for A1 Arquitectura Avanzada; they simply help to demonstrate the success of a novel approach that is slowly but surely being mirrored by the trajectory of the wider industry in both Ecuador and beyond. With the industry playing catch-up, the future for the studio is all about continuing its research in advanced architecture, particularly concerning biomimetic and symbiotic design strategies, to ensure that its architecture not only responds to environments, but actively engages with them. This includes developing systems that improve performance and experience, something that requires passive design strategies, material intelligence, and a precise understanding of how architecture interacts with climates and landscapes. José Daniel added: “We are also currently developing a series of residential projects that continue to explore the relationship between architecture, landscape, and environmental performance. Projects such as Amangala Villas Galápagos, Hillside House Viewpoint House, and Hidden Stone House all reflect this ongoing line of research. We continue to believe that architecture should not impose itself, but rather find balance within its surroundings.” Ultimately, the unique value that A1 Arquitectura Avanzada gets out of a project is that it is not focused on the final product, but rather the methodology behind it, such as the way that ideas, context, and environmental factors all blend to create advanced architecture strategies. Deploying these to great avail across Ecuador’s high-end residential landscapes, this is a studio changing things for the better. As a result, we are delighted to name it the Best Sustainable Architecture Design Studio 2026 – Ecuador in this feature. More on the award-winning architecture integrated with nature design that A1 Arquitectura Avanzada delivers can be found by clicking the website link below. Contact: José Daniel Terán Company: A1 Arquitectura Avanzada Web Address: https://a1-aa.com/
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