Guayacán Pavilion by Ambrosi I Etchegaray

The Guayacán Pavilion, designed by Ambrosi I Etchegaray, is a subtle yet impactful architectural intervention within the Casa Wabi complex. Strategically positioned at the entrance, this pavilion serves as a nursery for the endangered Guaiacum coulteri, an endemic tree species recognized on SEMARNAT’s endangered list. Blending into its forested and garden surroundings, the pavilion’s half-underground design allows it to merge harmoniously with the natural landscape, offering visitors a serene and immersive experience.

Design Concept

Rooted in the philosophy of wabi-sabi, the pavilion celebrates imperfect beauty, material authenticity, and the passage of time. Constructed with minimal materials, the architecture emphasizes space, light, and natural integration, ensuring that the structure itself does not overshadow the delicate Guayacán trees it protects. Visitors are invited to explore paths below ground level, where they can feel the temperature, humidity, and airflow, forging a direct sensory connection with nature.

Architectural Experience

The pavilion’s large shaded entrance serves both as a welcoming threshold and a resting space for visitors and staff. Work tables, formed from the excavated ground, create ergonomic surfaces for caretakers, minimizing physical strain while allowing hands-on care of the seedlings. This thoughtful design encourages observation and interaction, offering a multi-sensory experience that connects people to the rhythms of nature, including changes in weather, light, and seasonal cycles.

Sustainability & Purpose

More than just an architectural project, the Guayacán Pavilion is a conservation effort. Developed with support from the Environmental Management Unit (UMA), the pavilion facilitates the care and reproduction of the Guaiacum Sanctum L. Zygophyllaceae, ensuring the species’ survival while respecting the surrounding ecosystem. The design reflects a commitment to ecological ethics, sustainable practices, and integrated landscape architecture.

The Guayacán Pavilion is a testament to contemporary architecture that harmonizes with nature. It transcends conventional design by emphasizing environmental stewardship, material honesty, and immersive spatial experience, making it a model for sustainable, landscape-integrated architecture.