Revolutionizing biological research in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Amidst the lush expanse of the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Witoca Lab emerges as both a nod to ancestral practices and a beacon for modern agroecological research. Situated in the community of Huaticocha within the Sumaco Biosphere’s protective embrace, this innovative structure by Al Borde nurtures the cultivation of biological pest-control agents essential for sustainable agriculture.
Bridging ancient wisdom and scientific inquiry, Witoca Lab employs earth construction techniques intertwined with the Kichwa chakra system—an approach prioritizing biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. This facility supports the cultivation of key organisms like Beauveria bassiana, essential for controlling coffee and cocoa pests, in collaboration with Ecuador’s National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIAP) and CEFA (European Committee for Training and Agriculture).
Captured beautifully by JAG Studio, the lab’s design underscores its role as a regional leader in sustainable practices, all while honoring local knowledge.
Adobe vaults: a sustainable design for modern needs
At the heart of the Witoca Lab’s architectural elegance lies a blend of natural elements and modern engineering. Al Borde’s architects, leveraging the resourcefulness of adobe, created three interconnected zones—Entry, Reproduction, and Incubation. Each zone serves distinct functions, meeting rigorous environmental criteria necessary for microorganism cultivation. The genius of these adobe vaults lies in their thermal mass, which naturally stabilizes temperatures and reduces energy consumption, a sustainable feat in the world of contemporary architecture.
Drawing on the Lak’a UTA vault technique by Bolivian architect Raúl Sandoval, this structure dismisses formwork, allowing for efficient design even in the dense humidity of the rainforest. Under the guidance of master builder Miguel Ramos, the adobe’s high clay content became an advantage, offering durability and water resistance.
Adaptive techniques meet regional challenges
Building in the rainforest isn’t without its hurdles. High humidity and dense vegetation mean prolonged drying for the locally sourced adobe blocks. The mix’s natural water resistance prompted the use of cement-based mortar to enhance structural integrity, marrying old world techniques with new needs. This project recontextualizes adobe, moving it from humble origins to a cornerstone of advanced laboratory design.
The Witoca Lab deftly balances traditional and modern techniques, proposing an alternative for sustainable infrastructure in ecologically sensitive areas. By integrating earth construction and biological research infrastructure, it stands as an exemplar of how architectural innovation can coexist gracefully within the Amazon’s verdant embrace.
Follow this ingenuity on Instagram at @albordearq and through the eyes of photographer @juanalbertoandrade.ec for a visual journey through this remarkable project.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com