The Wavy Roof On This House Also Has An Exposed Wood Structure On The Interior

May 18, 2022
A modern wood house with stone and glass walls, and a wavy roof.
Photography by Bicubik Photography

Leppanen Anker Arquitectura has completed a new house in Los Chillos, Ecuador, that takes inspiration from the surrounding environment.

The architects decided to bring back the use of wood, stone, and clay but with a contemporary mindset, resulting in a home that would feel light and airy. This strategy resulted conceptually in a continuous wavy blanket that gently protects the interior below it.

A modern wood house with stone and glass walls, and a wavy roof.
Photography by Bicubik Photography

A sustainable laminated wood construction system is used for the structure which was completely pre-manufactured in Europe, for subsequent assembly in Ecuador. Laminated wood was the architect’s material of choice, both for its flexible properties as well as for the natural feeling that it adds to their design.

The computerized parametric model the architects used allowed the repetition of specific beams and a total constructability of the roof so that it would be efficient and affordable.

A modern wood and stone house with glass walls and a wavy roof.
Photography by Bicubik Photography

Automated machines were used to accurately cut and fabricate each piece of wood, creating a puzzle that fit perfectly when assembled. The laminated and curved beams are repeated with the same radius, which allows the different folds of the roof.

Other materials featured on the exterior of the home include stone, tile, and copper-colored coated steel.

A modern wood house with glass walls and a wavy roof.
Photography by Bicubik Photography

The triangulation of the structure, which can be seen inside the home, was designed in a way that would enable efficient assembly and also ease of transportation.

A modern wood house with the structure exposed as a design element.
Photography by Bicubik Photography

The interior of the home has been left as open as possible, resembling that of a typical “hacienda house” but with a modern twist.

This modern living room showcases walls of glass that flood the interior with natural light, a double-sided fireplace, and the exposed wood ceiling.
Photography by Bicubik Photography

The living room showcases walls of glass that flood the interior with natural light.

This modern living room showcases walls of glass that flood the interior with natural light, and the exposed wood ceiling.
Photography by Bicubik Photography

A fireplace can be enjoyed in both the living room and the dining room, while the dining room is open to the kitchen. Both of which have views of the lawn outside.

This dining room is open to the kitchen. Both of which have views of the lawn outside.
Photography by Bicubik Photography
A contemporary kitchen design with an exposed wood ceiling.
Photography by JAG Studio

A unique design element is the indoor swimming pool that has windows in the roof structure above it, making it feel like it’s outdoors.

A unique design element in this wooden house is the indoor swimming pool that has windows in the roof structure above it, making it feel like it's outdoors.
Photography by JAG Studio

A walkway passes over the swimming pool, linking the social areas of the house to the bedroom and bathroom.

A modern wooden home with a walkway that passes over an indoor swimming pool.
Photography by JAG Studio
A modern home with a walkway that passes over an indoor swimming pool.
Photography by Bicubik Photography
A modern home with a walkway that passes over an indoor swimming pool.
Photography by Bicubik Photography

Each of the bedrooms has large floor-to-ceiling windows, and glass doors that open to the outdoors.

A bedroom with large windows and exposed wood ceiling.
Photography by JAG Studio
A kids bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Photography by JAG Studio

In the bathroom, there’s an accent wall made from hexagonal tiles that creates texture, a dual shower, and an in-ground bathtub.

In this modern bathroom, there's an accent wall made from hexagonal tiles that creates texture, a dual shower, and an in-ground bathtub.
Photography by JAG Studio

Here’s a look at the diagrams and plans of the home.

The floor plan of of a wood house with a curvy roof.
Section diagrams of a wood house with a curvy roof.
Construction details of a wood house with a curvy roof.
Construction diagram of wood beams.

And here’s a few photos of the construction process…

The construction of a wood house with a wavy roof.
Photography by Bicubik Photography
The construction of a wood house with a wavy roof.
Photography by Bicubik Photography
The construction of a wood house with a wavy roof.
Photography by Bicubik Photography
Architecture Firm: Leppanen Anker Arquitectura | Lead Architects: Aaron Leppanen, Gabriela Anker | Design team: Aaron Leppanen, Gabriela Anker, Veronica Burbano, Camila Burbano, Sofía Chávez, Ana Belén Acurio, Carolina Rodriguez, Janina Sánchez, Kevin Aragón, Gabriela Valdez, Caroline Dieden | Interior Design Firm: Insólito |Interior Designers: Verónica Burbano, Camila Burbano | Structural Design: EDIMCA – Rubechi Wood Technology | Construction & Engineering: Miguel Angel Salazar, Francisco Velez, Fabian Mino, Milton Perugachi, Rodrigo Lalaguana, Alberto Dionicio | Landscape: Monica Bodenhorst | Lightning: Highlights