In 2015, Dany and Jenny established Cervecería Endémica, the first craft brewery on the island of San Cristobal in the Galapagos. Their vision focuses on sustainable, natural, and locally inspired design, carefully considering the island’s constraints regarding resources, energy supply, and transportation.
After four years of dedication and welcoming their first child, the couple decided to build their first home on a plot of land just one kilometer from the coast, on the outskirts of the city of Bacriso Moreno.
Similar to their brewery, they aimed for sustainability and locality in their home’s construction, responding thoughtfully to the natural environment of the archipelago. This local architecture strives to create a simple yet efficient residence, prioritizing the use of local labor and materials while tackling challenges such as budget restrictions, management, and logistics.
The project covers approximately 120 square meters. The backyard vegetable garden extends along one side, creating a lush green space, while the opposite side is enclosed by neighboring homes, facing the bathroom and laundry area on the ground floor. The house features a bamboo structure (caña guadua), with materials gathered and processed by local island builders.
To control costs, project supervision is conducted remotely, which has fostered close collaboration among clients, builders, and architects.
The three-story building is organized around a spacious stairwell. This staircase leads to the top floor and offers panoramic views of the sea. Serving as the core of the home’s natural ventilation system, it allows hot air to rise and escape through a chimney effect.
The first floor functions as a social and reception area, eliminating the need to climb stairs and making the space accessible for elderly visitors. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, a half-height space, and a bathroom. The floor level changes connect the master bedroom with the children’s playroom, and when privacy needs change, the space can be closed off to form an independent room.
The third floor houses a small studio elevated to the height of neighboring buildings, providing stunning views of the coastline and the sunset’s afterglow.
Inside, most furniture, walls, and partitions are crafted from bamboo or oak—typical woods found in the Galapagos Islands. Exterior details such as balconies, terraces, and lattices also incorporate oak and rattan.
The home’s water heating is powered by solar panels, while a greywater treatment system recycles water for irrigating green spaces. Due to restrictions on importing materials, the roof and its insulation are made from industrial components.
It is important to note that despite the ease of using local materials and the Galapagos’ fragile ecosystem encouraging natural building methods, this residence is only the second project on San Cristobal to use bamboo construction technology. Most urban buildings in the archipelago are still built with metal and concrete.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second and Third Floor Plans
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: ESEcolectivo Arquitectos
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: José de la Torre
Suppliers: Acesco, AutoDesk, Trimble
Clients: Jenny Quijozaca, Daniel Fraga
Partners: Paulina Pesante, Lucie Daum, Leonardo Borja
Location: Ecuador
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