Architecture studio Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica led by Bernardo Quinzaños, focused on creating a contemplative space with an environment suitable for orchid growth, designing a humid, partially shaded and well-ventilated environment.
To maintain the orchids, a series of clay bowls were placed on top of the wooden structure that slowly filtered the water, keeping the soil moist, and allowing the orchids to acquire water without needing to be manually watered.
The pavilion focuses on vernacular architecture, using simple construction techniques and locally sourced materials, such as palm wood or clay pottery made in local high-temperature ovens.
Orchid Pavilion by CCA. Photograph by Jaime Navarro.
Project description by Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica
The Orchid Pavilion, designed for Casa Wabi and inaugurated on February 3, 2024, is located on the outskirts of Puerto Escondido, between the sea and the mountains. It is a permanent, sustainable and light wooden structure, dedicated to the conservation of orchids in the Oaxaca region, which raises the strong relationship between the biological and cultural diversity of the landscape.
In order for the orchids to grow, bloom and be harvested, it was necessary to create an environment conducive to their development: humid, partially shaded and well ventilated.
But, most interesting, is the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which believes that beauty and harmony are found in simplicity, the imperfect and the unconventional, and its relationship with the rich and complex traditions of the Oaxacan coast, the vernacular, locally sourced materials (clay, palm and wood ceramics) and the high quality of the works of local artisans.
The Japanese word Ikigai (生き甲斐, "the reason for being") was thought of, which could be translated as the happiness of being busy. The term is made up of two Japanese words: iki (生き, meaning “life or being alive”) and kai (甲斐, meaning “an effect, result, fruit, or value.” Being “the purpose of life.”
When someone discovers their purpose, their calling, they are more likely to enjoy a long and healthy life. However, it is easy to get lost in the stress and noise of our daily routine, so you need to set aside a space, and take a moment for relaxation, in this case, with orchids.
As you enter the pavilion, you breathe the freshness of the humidity, you hear the soft tinkling of the drops, and you feel the crosswinds and, perhaps with luck, you manage to reconnect with the essence of yourself, the Ikigai.
The pavilion focuses on three main elements:
First, the project is a simple and austere machine, 12 clay humidifiers use gravity to generate a humid environment within the structure that houses the orchids from the Oaxacan coast
Second, the pavilion takes advantage of simple materials and construction techniques, such as wood from the region and custom-made clay pottery pieces made in local high-temperature kilns.
And third, the proposal is a sanctuary for orchids, while seeking to awaken a deep sense of Ikigai in those who visit it. The main element that allows orchids to thrive is a humid environment. The intricate roots, branches and leaves capture water from the air, the soil and all surrounding surfaces. A series of pyramid-shaped clay bowls filled with water rest on top of a simple wooden structure. The bowls will slowly filter small drops of water that will fall to the ground allowing drip irrigation. The water is collected by clay base trays that will be permanently moist. The breeze and heat will allow the orchids to drink water directly from the environment without the need to be manually watered.
"Life is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty"
Derek Zoolander.
For Casa Wabi guests, the orchid pavilion offers a refuge where they can rest and enjoy fresh water after a long walk. Recalling that humanity’s first steps were taken in the shade of a tree, the pavilion invites a contemplative experience, as the water visitors drink is the same that nourishes the orchids.
The sound of the drops falling into the bowls creates a harmony between natural cycles and human activity. This cool, partially submerged space transforms the horizon and perspective of visitors as they descend to ground level, offering an opportunity not only to appreciate the diversity of orchid species, but also to connect with the humble root of life in a state of harmony.
