Chaki Wasi: Artisanal Center of the Shalalá Community by La Cabina de la Curiosidad

Architects: La Cabina de la Curiosidad

Perched at the summit of the Quilotoa Lagoon, a breathtaking volcanic crater with turquoise waters at 3,915 meters above sea level, the Shalalá community in Ecuador has long championed sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. Their latest initiative, Chaki Wasi, the community’s artisanal center, embodies this vision, merging architecture, craftsmanship, and ecological responsibility.

The center is designed to showcase Andean crafts, strengthen community bonds, and celebrate the indigenous way of life. Its circular layout ensures that each artisan stall has equal visibility, while the central cobblestone plaza provides a communal space for gatherings, cultural events, and traditional celebrations.

Architecture Inspired by Tradition

Chaki Wasi, which translates from Kichwa as “house made of straw from the ground up,” is a testament to vernacular architecture and Andean heritage. Built using locally sourced materials, the structure features:

• River stone foundations providing stability and grounding.
• Eucalyptus wood framework tied with cabuya fibers from the agave plant.
• Large dowels of chakra, or young eucalyptus wood, supporting the structural modules.
• A straw roof, crafted with traditional techniques.

Every element was hand-constructed, using recycled and sustainable methods to minimize environmental impact. The assembly relied on collective community labor, known as mingas, with participation from men, women, and youth, fostering intergenerational knowledge exchange.

Sustainable and Carbon-Positive Vision

The project embodies a carbon-positive approach to architecture, aiming to regenerate the land while living in harmony with nature. Waste materials are returned to the earth, and the construction process emphasized reusing tools and natural resources. Large wooden mallets and traditional techniques passed down over generations ensured the structural integrity of the building while maintaining cultural authenticity.

Chaki Wasi is more than a building; it is an educational platform where visitors learn about Andean life, vernacular craftsmanship, and ecological practices. Each stage of construction was celebrated according to Andean rituals, strengthening community identity and continuity of tradition.

All photographs are works of Marie Combette, JAG Studio, Samanta Martinez