FB+ estudio Office — A Small Loja, Ecuador Studio Defined by a Striking Wall Mural

Located in the southern Ecuadorian city of Loja, the compact and distinctive FB+ estudio Office, designed by the FB+ studio team, stands out for its bold use of mural art on the street-facing façade. The office occupies just 20 square meters within a 250 square meter lot. Its modest front is protected by a pair of doors that shield the interior from unnecessary attention, while the mural by architect Carlos Valarezo transforms the façade into a lively visual connection with the surrounding urban fabric.

Striking street facade of FB+ estudio Office in Ecuador with a wall mural — Striking street façade of the FB+ estudio Office in Loja, Ecuador, animated by a large wall mural

The mural is the project’s central element: a large, figurative painting that reflects the busy city lifestyle and visually links the small studio to the bustling streetscape that surrounds it. Rather than allowing the tiny interior to disappear behind a neutral front, the mural creates an engaging pause for passersby, inviting observation and interaction. The artwork was conceived and executed by architect Carlos Valarezo, and it embeds the studio within the city’s daily rhythm.

Gorgeous and space-savvy FB+ estudio Office street facade — Gorgeous and space-savvy FB+ estudio Office street façade

Entrance Design: Light, Security, and Flexibility

At the entrance, sliding translucent polycarbonate doors open to a second set of folding doors, creating a twin-door system that balances daylight penetration with security. This layered solution allows natural light to filter into the workspace while maintaining privacy and protection. The translucent sliding panels are an intelligent, compact choice for a narrow urban lot, maintaining the sense of openness without sacrificing control over the interior environment.

Sliding translucent glass doors along with folding doors create the entrance to the Office — Sliding translucent doors paired with folding doors form the office entrance

Interior: Minimal, Functional, and Colorful Accents

The interior preserves a minimal, functional aesthetic that complements the expressive exterior. White walls and simple finishes create a neutral backdrop that allows the mural to remain the façade’s focal point. Inside, a metal-frame shelf with wooden elements adds industrial-modern character while providing practical storage within the compact footprint.

Metal frame shelf and colorful accents add industrial modern look to the small office — Metal frame shelving and colorful accents contribute an industrial-modern look to the small office

Color is introduced sparingly but deliberately. Pops of yellow and other vivid accents enliven the otherwise neutral palette, while indoor plants bring a touch of organic warmth to the workspace. These small design gestures enhance visual interest and create a pleasant micro-environment without overwhelming the constrained plan.

Beautiful colors coupled with a neutral backdrop in white inside the tiny office — Colorful accents against a neutral white backdrop enliven the compact interior

“The studio seeks to interact with the city, giving it a neutral space for pause and observation, creating a space that transforms from a vacuum in the day to a point of light at night, taking advantage of its materiality. The mural painted by the architect Carlos Valarezo integrates the studio with the city, conceptualizing the formal, integral and philosophical research in architecture.”

Design Intent and Urban Integration

FB+ estudio’s approach emphasizes a dialogue between architecture and street life. The project deliberately creates a small, calm pocket that contrasts the activity of the surrounding neighborhood. During the day the entrance offers a quiet, reflective threshold; at night, carefully considered lighting reveals the mural and turns the façade into a beacon within the streetscape. The mural’s imagery and scale help the studio participate in the city’s visual language, turning a modest office into a meaningful urban marker.

Wall mural aims to integrate the office with the cityscape while giving it a unique look — The mural integrates the office with the cityscape while giving it a unique identity

Beautiful wall mural by architect Carlos Valarezo graces the street facade of the office — Beautiful wall mural by architect Carlos Valarezo graces the street façade

Plan and Visual Summary

The project’s design plan demonstrates how thoughtful, minimal interventions can maximize functionality and visual impact on a small urban plot. By prioritizing a strong external identity, daylighting strategies, and efficient interior fittings, FB+ estudio transformed a tight 20 square meter program into an expressive, well-considered workspace that actively participates in Loja’s public realm.

Design plan of FB+ estudio Office in Ecuador — Design plan of the FB+ estudio Office in Loja, Ecuador

Photography: FB+ studio