amid ecuador's tungurahua volcano: two lodges emerge from the 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.

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 All the discarded and outdated objects from the quarry have been repurposed, creating a dialogue between the past and present.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.

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.

the structures incorporate elements and materials from the quarry, giving them a distinct character | image by Francesco Russo