Architects: Espacio & Luz Arquitectos
Area: 1076 ft²
Year: 2024
Photographs: JAG Studio
Lead Architect: Arq. Dimitri Pico
Program: Living room, Dining room, Kitchen, Attic room, Guest room and Outdoor area.
City: Manta
Country: Ecuador
A Shelter in the Forest residential cabin designed by Espacio & Luz Arquitectos in the Pacoche rainforest has enhanced the architectural relationship between shelter and ecosystem, creating a minimalist structure that blends into a fog-laden tropical forest. Conceived as a nature-immersed retreat for a client seeking harmony through feng shui principles, the project adapts to the sloped terrain using a concrete plinth foundation and employs natural materials such as wood, brick, and steel. Large windows frame the dense vegetation and bring daylight into the interior, while a cubiteja-clad sloped roof ensures protection from rain. Interior insulation with polyurethane foam and pine panels adds thermal comfort and warm ambiance. Completed with careful spatial orientation, the design emphasizes connection to the natural microclimate and biodiversity of Pacoche, turning the cabin into both a physical and sensorial sanctuary.
The project is located in the Pacoche rainforest, a natural setting where dense vegetation meets coastal breezes, forming a distinctive microclimate. This area, marked by thick forest and frequent fog, offers an almost untouched refuge where the sounds of birds and howler monkeys accompany visitors along the trails, encouraging exploration of the region’s rich biodiversity. The atmosphere in Pacoche shifts between misty, rainy conditions and bright, sunny days, offering a varied and immersive experience for those looking to connect deeply with nature.
The client, inspired by this setting, commissioned a cabin that would integrate visually with the landscape while preserving and enhancing the surrounding ecosystem. Initially conceived as a tree house, the project evolved into a grounded shelter nestled among the trees. The design aimed to create a peaceful and welcoming space with a strong emphasis on environmental harmony. A fundamental aspect was the application of feng shui principles—orienting spaces and entry points in alignment with both the site’s energy and the client’s personal balance. The placement of doors and windows, along with the selection of construction materials, was considered to cultivate a sense of equilibrium.
The primary architectural concept framed the cabin as a natural extension of the forest, using a minimalist strategy and materials that emphasized rather than competed with the surroundings. The structure is elevated on a concrete plinth, adapting to the sloping terrain to prevent moisture infiltration and increase stability. A combination of wood, brick, and steel was used to ensure durability while maintaining a subdued, natural character that enhances the forest’s visual presence.
Spatial integration was prioritized through the inclusion of large windows, allowing generous amounts of natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding vegetation. The sloped roof, clad in cubiteja panels, offers protection against the region’s humid climate. Polyurethane foam insulation paired with pine interior paneling contributes to thermal efficiency and a warm interior finish.
The project functions not just as a refuge within nature but as a sanctuary where built form and natural environment coexist. The architecture supports a reflective, immersive experience within the forest, aligning built space with the rhythms and textures of Pacoche’s living ecosystem.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Pacoche, San Lorenzo Parish, Manta, Manabí Province, Ecuador
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
