Orchid Pavilion

The Orchid Pavilion, designed for Casa Wabi, is a permanent, sustainable, and lightweight wooden structure dedicated to the conservation of orchids in the region of Oaxaca, highlighting the strong relationship between the biological and cultural diversity of the landscape.

Located on the outskirts of Puerto Escondido, between the sea and the mountains, the sanctuary integrates the knowledge of local artisanal work with clay pottery, palm, and wood, with the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi (侘寂), which seeks wisdom through simplicity. The construction is also an expression of the Japanese concept of ikigai (生き甲斐), 'reason for being,' projecting purpose in its architectural design by combining the biocultural resource it houses with the traditional knowledge of a community.

Conceived as a simple and austere machine, the pavilion is a triangular gable roof structure, partially buried, woven with wooden poles and palm to reproduce the necessary humidity, partial shade, and good ventilation required for the cultivation and reproduction of orchids in the Oaxaca region. The triangular structure harvests water through 12 clay humidifiers in the form of inverted pyramids distributed along the ridge of the roof. The humid environment allows self-irrigation of the flowers, and excess water is collected and recycled in clay bowls on the ground.

The dripping water, protected by a wooden membrane from direct sunlight, creates a warm, humid, and fresh environment that carries nutrients through the air for the orchids to feed on their aerial roots.

For the guests of Casa Wabi, the orchidarium offers a refuge to sit and drink water after a long walk. Remembering that the first schools of human beings occurred in the shade of a tree, the pavilion also provides a contemplative journey, as the water people drink is the same water the orchids drink. The sound of dripping into the bowls resonates different natural cycles with human activity. This cool, semi-buried space, which changes the horizon and perspective of those who visit as they descend to a ground level, allows not only to apprehend the diversity of orchid species but also to connect with the humble root of life in a state of harmony.