Diseño de vivienda colectiva en terrenos con pendientes: estrategias arquitectónicas y constructivas

Abstract

This thesis addresses the design of collective housing on hillside sites in Cuenca, Ecuador, as a response to uncontrolled urban growth and the scarcity of flat land. Based on technical and contextual analysis, it was determined that terrain stability and water management are the fundamental axes of hillside design. The results show that the application of comprehensive construction systems—combining surface and deep drainage, retaining walls, stepped or deep foundations, and lightweight metal or laminated wood structures—ensures safety and sustainability. From an architectural perspective, strategies vary according to the terrain slope: linear layouts on gentle slopes, stepped or mixed layouts on medium slopes, and elevated or semi-buried structures on slopes exceeding 25%. These solutions promote morphological adaptation to the terrain, optimize habitability, and strengthen the relationships with the natural environment. Overall, the research proposes an adaptable, resilient, and sustainable architectural and construction model for collective housing development in hillsides.