A Lodge in Pigüe: Sustainable Architecture in the Heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon

A Dialogue Between Architecture and Nature

Nestled deep within the lush, humid rainforest of the Ecuadorian Amazon, A Lodge in Pigüe by Mestizo Estudio Arquitectura embodies a delicate balance between modern sustainable design and deep respect for ancestral wisdom. Conceived by Pablo, the lodge’s owner, the project emerged from a dream — a desire to honor and preserve the natural essence of the land while creating a space of rest, reflection, and ecological connection.

Just a few kilometers from the central village in the El Calvario community of Pastaza, the lodge stands as a serene retreat where architecture harmonizes with its surroundings rather than imposing upon them.

Designing with Purpose and Respect

Built on a 2.5-hectare family property, the lodge is strategically placed over a natural ravine on the southeastern edge of the land — an area teeming with wildlife and biodiversity. The design seeks not only to inhabit this space but to belong to it.

Using materials sourced both from nature and from the family’s own resources, the structure is a testament to responsible and sustainable architecture. Recycled metal pipes from the oil industry, welded mesh, rods, rocks, wood, and bamboo form the lodge’s primary palette. Each element was chosen not only for its practicality but also for its symbolic connection to the environment.

A Living Tree at the Heart of the Lodge

At the center of the design stands the majestic Pigüe tree, the project’s namesake and spiritual core. Rather than removing it, the architects designed the lodge around the tree, allowing it to continue thriving within the built space.

The tree now grows through the structure, passing through the roof and integrating with the living environment. Its presence maintains a natural micro-ecosystem, allowing humidity and biodiversity to flourish. This decision exemplifies the project’s philosophy: architecture that adapts to nature, not the other way around.

Vernacular Logic Meets Contemporary Design

Mestizo Estudio Arquitectura approached the project by merging vernacular construction techniques with modern sustainable strategies. The building is elevated on a foundation of recycled metal pipe piles, protecting it from ground humidity and preserving nearby water springs. The design also incorporates bio-filters for wastewater treatment, minimizing environmental impact.

Natural and recycled materials define the construction: stone-filled welded mesh for structural stability, bamboo and wooden planks for flooring, and large glass panels to connect interior and exterior spaces. The roof extends widely to provide shelter from the Amazon’s intense rains and winds, while maintaining ventilation and comfort inside.

A Model of Sustainable Lodging in Ecuador

The Lodge in Pigüe goes beyond being a recreational shelter — it’s a statement of environmental awareness and architectural humility. It represents a model for building in sensitive ecosystems like the Amazon, where every design choice must be intentional and respectful.

All photographs are works of Punto Dos Studio,  Francesco Russo