The main wall secrets a minimalist take on a Murphy bed.
The main wall secrets a minimalist take on a Murphy bed.

July 27, 2022

Words: Jesse Dorris

Photography: JAG Studio

In a Quito Studio, Juan Alberto Andrade and María José Váscones Find the Right Place for Everything

As a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Ecuadorian capital city of Quito boasts many ancient architectural delights. Modern endeavors include Moshe Safdie and Uribe Schwarzkopf’s stacked and staggered Qorner building and, inside that, a 300-square-foot studio with seriously big ideas.

“The design emerges from the void between furniture and architecture, which shapes space through objects,” explains Juan Alberto Andrade, who cofounded JAG Studio along with María José Váscones. “Space that condenses living activities, such as: sleeping, working, cooking, eating, and storing.” The condensing arrives courtesy of a horizontal axis of laminated MDF boards across an otherwise open space. Behind the boards, the team arranged everything else, including a kitchen, laundry, closet, library, and a dining table-cum-office desk tucked in front of the bed.

“The bed-desk-table module is a favorite because of its multiple spatial configurations under constructive solutions,” says Andrade. “Each module solves one, or even multiple needs.” The result? A flexible, small home designed to maximize every inch of space—and its potential.

A matte-lacquered tubular metal ladder, on rails and casters, creates access to overhead storage.
A matte-lacquered tubular metal ladder, on rails and casters, creates access to overhead storage.
Storage cubicles powdercoated in a bright green intersect the overhead built-in storage.
Storage cubicles powdercoated in a bright green intersect the overhead built-in storage.
Built-in storage also lines the entrance hallway.
Built-in storage also lines the entrance hallway.
A hinged desk along a wall creates an ersatz office space.
A hinged desk along a wall creates an ersatz office space.
A closet hides just off the living space, which offers Pedrali chairs and Linie Design rug.
A closet hides just off the living space, which offers Pedrali chairs and Linie Design rug.
The main wall secrets a minimalist take on a Murphy bed.
The main wall secrets a minimalist take on a Murphy bed.
Ledges within the bed nook offer more storage.
Ledges within the bed nook offer more storage.

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