Architects: CCA Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica
Area: 40 m²
Year: 2024
Photography: Jaime Navarro, Rafael Gamo, Arturo Arrieta, Vanessa Nieves, CCA Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica
Lead Architect: Bernardo Quinzaños
Team: Begoña Manzano, Andrés Suárez, Miguel Izaguirre, Florencio de Diego, Carlos Cruz Ay, Javier Castillo, Carlos Molina, Fernanda Ventura
Program: Cultural
Client: Fundación Casa Wabi
City: Puerto Escondido
Country: Mexico
The Orchid Pavilion, designed by CCA Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica for Fundación Casa Wabi and unveiled in early 2024, represents a harmonious blend of cultural and natural elements. Positioned between the sea and the mountains on the outskirts of Puerto Escondido, this wooden structure is permanent and sustainable, serving as a sanctuary for orchid conservation in the Oaxaca region. The design reflects a deep connection between the area’s rich biodiversity and its cultural heritage, drawing from local materials and craftsmanship. This structure is an environmental haven and a place of personal discovery, encouraging visitors to find their “Ikigai” or reason for being, through the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which celebrates beauty in simplicity and imperfection.
The Orchid Pavilion, designed for Casa Wabi and inaugurated on February 3rd, 2024, is situated on the outskirts of Puerto Escondido, between the sea and the mountains. It is a wooden, sustainable, and lightweight structure dedicated to the conservation of orchids in the Oaxaca region, emphasizing the strong connection between the area’s biological and cultural diversity.
The architects highlighted several clear technical characteristics and components necessary for the growth and collection of orchids, such as creating a humid, partially shaded, and well-ventilated environment.
The design was influenced by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which finds beauty and harmony in simplicity, imperfection, and unconventionality, aligned with the complex traditions of the Oaxacan coast. This includes vernacular, locally sourced materials, and artisanal craftsmanship. During the design process, the concept of Ikigai, meaning ‘a reason for being alive,’ emerged as a central theme.
The pavilion’s design is focused on three main elements: Firstly, it uses twelve clay-based humidifiers that utilize gravity to maintain a humid environment ideal for orchid growth. Secondly, it features simple construction materials and techniques, such as locally sourced wood and custom-made clay ceramics fired in high-temperature kilns. Lastly, the pavilion aims to be a sanctuary for the orchids and evoke a profound sense of Ikigai among its visitors.
A series of pyramid-shaped, water-filled clay basins are positioned at the top of the structure, filtering water droplets that facilitate drip irrigation. This allows orchids to absorb moisture directly from their surroundings, reducing the need for manual watering.
To the guests of Casa Wabi, the Orchid Pavilion offers a reflective space, emphasizing a connection with nature through the shared experience of water, symbolic of life’s interconnectedness.
Fundación Casa Wabi, a non-profit organization, fosters interaction between contemporary art and local communities. The foundation’s mission is to promote social development through art, facilitated by various programs including residencies, exhibitions, and educational initiatives. The foundation also showcases functional pavilions designed by renowned architects to support its artistic and cultural programs.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
