The Restoration

The Restoration: A Legacy of Earthen Architecture

The History

While the foundations of this estate trace back through centuries of Cuenca’s urban history, the current structure of Casa Tierra was constructed in the 1940s. Originally part of the historic “Casa Carvallo” estate, the residence serves as a premier example of the transition between traditional colonial craftsmanship and early 20th-century republican design.

In 2014, the property began a new chapter when it was acquired from the heirs of Dr. Honorato Carvallo. Under the vision of renowned restoration architect Lourdes Abad Rodas, a comprehensive two-year “structural rescue” was launched to modernize the home while preserving its documented architectural soul.

Official Honors & Global Recognition

2017 Fray José María Vargas Award

  • Awarding Body: Ilustre Municipalidad de Cuenca (The City Council of Cuenca).
  • Category: Best Historical Restoration & Readaptation (Readecuación).
  • The Honor: This is the city’s highest architectural distinction. Casa Tierra was selected as the 2017 recipient for its excellence in preserving the historic integrity of the Cuenca skyline during its 2015–2016 modernization.
  • Source: Acta de Sesión Solemne del 12 de Abril de 2017.

UNESCO-Affiliated Case Study (2015–2016)

  • Publication: Orientaciones para la conservación de inmuebles patrimoniales de tierra en Cuenca.
  • Global Context: Published in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair of Earthen Architecture and the University of Cuenca.
  • Technical Reference: The restoration of Casa Tierra (page 86) is cited as a benchmark for the “Preventive Conservation” of earthen buildings. It is documented for its successful integration of modern infrastructure—including high-end electrical and plumbing systems—within original adobe and bahareque walls.
  • Source: UNESCO Digital Library / University of Cuenca Repository.

Architectural Specifications

The restoration, led by Lourdes Abad Rodas (a member of the UNESCO-supported Red PROTERRA), focused on the “Honest Preservation” of mid-century materials:

  • Structural Earth: Restoration of original adobe party walls and interior bahareque partitions.
  • Artisanal Details: Preservation of the 1940s facade, utilizing a hybrid of traditional brick and earthen techniques.
  • Modern Comfort: Discreete integration of 21st-century amenities within a 1940s shell, ensuring the property remains a “Living Heritage” site rather than a museum piece.

The Hosted Experience

As owners and “Resident Stewards,” we maintain our private residence in a separate wing of the estate, connected to the guest suites by a central heritage patio. This proximity allows us to ensure the building is maintained to its award-winning standards while offering our guests on-site expertise on the history and culture of our UNESCO World Heritage neighborhood.

Resources & Documented History

For guests, architects, and historians interested in the technical preservation of our estate, we provide the following official references and digital archives:

  • [PDF] UNESCO-Affiliated Conservation Guide (2015) Orientaciones para la conservación de inmuebles patrimoniales de tierra en Cuenca. Refer to page 86 for the specific historical architectural profile of Casa Tierra (Carvallo Estate).
  • [Document] Official Municipal Award Decree (2017) Acta de Sesión Solemne del 12 de Abril de 2017 – Ilustre Municipalidad de Cuenca. Formal recognition of the “Presea Fray José María Vargas” awarded to Casa Tierra and Architect Lourdes Abad. Link to Municipal Archive
  • [Technical Link] Red PROTERRA Registry Ibero-American Network of Earth Architecture (Supported by the UNESCO Chair of Earthen Architecture). Professional credentials for lead restoration architect Maria de Lourdes Abad Rodas. View Professional Registry