San Telmo Apartaments is a multifamily housing project located in the Valle de Los Chillos (Quito – Ecuador). It is developed within the framework of “public housing”. That is, the government subsidizes part of the debt of its buyers, as long as the houses cost up to $70,000 and their sale price per square meter is a maximum of $890.
Cortesía de ERDC arquitects
The challenge of this project was to generate economically affordable, dignified, and habitable housing for an average family, and that it be adaptable to the needs of its inhabitants over time. This, without neglecting the profitability of the real estate promoter, would finance part of the work and make it feasible to start its execution. To meet the economic requirements without affecting the housing, it was decided to minimize the costs of bank financing (indirect), that is, to reduce the maximum time of construction work. This translates into a project that requires fewer construction processes, but that guarantees the quality of the housing and that is competitive in the market.
Cortesía de ERDC arquitects
The answer to the design is to eliminate coatings. It is decided to work with exposed materials. This is the case for the steel structure, the metal deck of the mezzanine, the rectified block walls (greater density and better thermal and acoustic qualities), permeable brick walls, visible installations in the galvanized pipe for the electrical part, and copper for the hydrosanitary, polished and oxidized concrete floors, OSB wood partition panels, floor-to-ceiling doors (without lintel casting), furniture with cutouts (without hardware), among others. The detail and care in the use of these materials revalue their aesthetics, without sacrificing the quality and comfort of the housing.
Cortesía de ERDC arquitects
San Telmo has 22 “type” apartments of 72m2 + 10m2 terrace (double height). These are distributed in blocks that house up to 6 housing units. The typology of apartments is used, as it allows taking advantage of a single vertical circulation per block, leaving greater useful areas for the development of private areas. As a result, comfortable apartments with three bedrooms and a more generous mezzanine height than usual are obtained. In addition, this arrangement frees up space on the ground floor, delivering large covered and open communal areas.
Cortesía de ERDC arquitects
In addition, two architectural elements are proposed that guarantee the flexibility and adaptability of spaces over time, understanding the complexity of inhabiting “type” spaces that are difficult to adapt to the differentiated needs of each family.
Project Info
Architects: ERDC architects
Country: Ecuador, Quito
Area: 1800 m²
Year: 2018
Photographs: Courtesy of ERDC arquitects
Architects In Charge: Arq. Fernanda Esquetini , Arq. Pablo Puente Rodríguez
Equipo De Diseño: Equipo de Diseño
Construction: Concimento Cia Ltda
Clients: Concimento Cia Ltda
Collaborator: Arq. Michel Saud
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.