amid ecuador's tungurahua volcano, two lodges emerge from a quarry's stones & history

amid ecuador's tungurahua volcano, two lodges emerge from a quarry's stones & history

Lodgings Amidst a Quarry in Ecuador

 

Nestled within the heart of Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, two lodgings emerge from the very quarry that once echoed with the sounds of excavation. Overlooking the Tungurahua Volcano, which had been active for two decades, the structures by architectural studio La Cabina De La Curiosidad transform into serene observatories, promoting tranquility, reflection, and contemplation.

 

The property is divided into two sections, each with its own purpose and character. Forty percent of the land remains dedicated to the quarry, where massive machines, dumpers, and sieves once dominated the landscape. These relics of the extraction industry stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. The remaining land is undergoing a process of rejuvenation, as an effort to return it to its natural state. This section accommodates various ecosystems, where the native vegetation undergoes changes as the elevation increases. The higher reaches are home to Achupallas and low Andean flora, while the lower, shaded areas, close to the Pastaza River, are veiled in lush forests nourished by streams flowing from the mountain’s heart.

amid ecuador's tungurahua volcano, two lodges emerge from the quarry's stones & history

all images by Bicubik Photography, unless stated otherwise 

 

 

La Cabina De La Curiosidad’s Quarry-Inspired Lodgings

 

The owners of the property sought to intervene in the area, transforming the extractive quarry and prioritizing the conservation of the surrounding ecosystems. Their goal is to facilitate adventure tourism activities, leveraging the property’s volcanic rock walls for climbing. In addition to camping areas, they have recently added lodges, whose design was led by the Ecuador-based studio. The design team ensured the lodgings maintained a connection to the quarry’s rich history. All the discarded and outdated objects from the quarry have been repurposed, creating a dialogue between the past and present. Incorporating elements and materials from the quarry, the lodgings acquire a distinctive character that pays homage to the site’s heritage. 

 

Giant stones from the old quarry provide structural support, while stone slabs from a towering 50-meter cliff became the foundations for the lodge’s sinks. Gravel and sand from the quarry now adorn walkways and outdoor spaces. Discarded sieves and pipeline pipes, once left to rust in the quarry, now form the lodges’ foundations. Metal pieces, carved stones, rods, and wood elements were repurposed from old constructions in Baños. Even spare parts from machinery, such as steel cables and nails, found new life. Pine and colorado wood, carefully integrated into the lodgings, offer both comfort and a connection to the surrounding environment. Prefabricated trusses make construction efficient and maintain the lodgings’ harmony with the native vegetation.

amid ecuador's tungurahua volcano, two lodges emerge from the quarry's stones & history
image by Francesco Russo

 

Entering these lodgings, visitors will find themselves gazing directly at the Tungurahua Volcano. These spaces are designed as observatories, enhancing the connection with the captivating panoramic view. Amidst the quarry’s stones and rich history, memories are created that are as enduring as the volcanic landscape that surrounds these distinctive lodgings.

amid ecuador's tungurahua volcano, two lodges emerge from the quarry's stones & history
the structures incorporate elements and materials from the quarry, giving them a distinct character | image by Francesco Russo

amid ecuador's tungurahua volcano, two lodges emerge from the quarry's stones & history
the obsolete objects discarded in the quarry have been reused as a dialogue of time and memory

two-lodgings-tungurahua-volcano-ecuador-la-cabina-de-la-curiosidad-designboom-31800

old sieves and pipeline pipes were use in building the lodges

amid ecuador's tungurahua volcano, two lodges emerge from the quarry's stones & history
giant stones from the old quarry provide structural support

amid ecuador's tungurahua volcano, two lodges emerge from the quarry's stones & history

two-lodgings-tungurahua-volcano-ecuador-la-cabina-de-la-curiosidad-designboom-21800

harmonious lodgings in a quarry setting | image by Francesco Russo

1/20
eco-lodgings with a volcanic view | image by Francesco Russo
eco-lodgings with a volcanic view | image by Francesco Russo
the wooden interior captures panoramas of the immersive scenery
the wooden interior captures panoramas of the immersive scenery
1
 
1
 
image by Francesco Russo
image by Francesco Russo
the lodges are reborn from the qarry's past
the lodges are reborn from the qarry's past
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
image by Francesco Russo
image by Francesco Russo
image by La Cabina De La Curiosidad
image by La Cabina De La Curiosidad
image by La Cabina De La Curiosidad
image by La Cabina De La Curiosidad
image by La Cabina De La Curiosidad
image by La Cabina De La Curiosidad
image by Francesco Russo
image by Francesco Russo
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 

project info:

 

name: Lodging in the Quarry, Looking at Tungurahua 

architects: La Cabina De La Curiosidad | @daniel_moreno_flores_

leading architects: Marie Combette and Daniel Moreno Flores

location: Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador

photography: Bicubik Photography, Francesco Russo, La Cabina De La Curiosidad (Marie Combette / Daniel Moreno Flores)

KEEP UP WITH OUR DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
suscribe on designboom
- see sample
- see sample
suscribe on designboom
happening now! witness how the swedish family-owned company, bolon, is breaking new ground with exciting material inventions, where all their products now contain 68% waste material, and 0% climate impact per square meter. 

PRODUCT LIBRARY

a diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme.

designboom will always be there for you

milan, new york, beijing, tokyo,  since 1999
X
5