Irori Refuge by Baquio Arquitectura: A Sensory Forest Retreat in Nanegalito, Ecuador

Nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s lush Chocó forest, the Irori Refuge by Baquio Arquitectura transforms a former warehouse and clandestine cockfighting site into a serene retreat that reconnects visitors with nature. Completed in 2024 and spanning 36 m², this innovative project reimagines the space as a refuge for reflection, ecological awareness, and immersive engagement with the endemic forest. Photography by Punto Dos Studio beautifully captures the harmony between architecture and the surrounding landscape.

Embracing Phenomenology in Architecture

Led by Jose Granda, the design team approached Irori Refuge through the lens of phenomenology in architecture, prioritizing human experiences and sensory perception. The concept of Irori, a traditional Japanese hearth, served as the guiding principle. In Japanese culture, the Irori is more than a fire pit—it is a cultural gathering space that fosters intimacy, shared meals, and relaxation among family and close friends. By integrating this philosophy, the refuge encourages occupants to inhabit the space with heightened awareness and mindfulness.

A Journey Through the Senses

Irori Refuge is structured as a sensory journey, leading visitors toward the central hearth. The design is divided into three key zones, each stimulating a different sense—smell, hearing, and sight—through carefully curated spatial arrangements and natural materials.

Smell: Aromatic Forest Connection

The entry zone is a sensory introduction where visitors are invited to remove their shoes and engage with local aromatic elements embedded in wooden furniture. This tactile and olfactory interaction deepens the connection to the forest’s native flora, setting the tone for a mindful retreat experience.

Hearing: Silence and Nature

The second area focuses on hearing. Two folding beds are positioned within a space isolated from visual distractions, allowing only soft silhouettes to be perceived through shoji panels. Here, the only sounds are those of the surrounding forest, creating a meditative environment where the forest itself becomes the soundtrack.

Sight: Framing Nature

Finally, the zone of sight frames the natural beauty of the Chocó valley. Circular windows offer intimate glimpses of the forest, while panels open to panoramic views, encouraging occupants to engage visually with their surroundings. This deliberate orchestration of views cultivates a more sensitive, immersive interaction with the landscape.

Harmonious Integration with Water and Nature

The Irori Refuge is organized around a reflective water mirror, enhancing the sense of intimacy and connection with rainfall and natural elements. An outdoor sunken bath, enclosed by bamboo, provides a private space to fully immerse in the forest, combining comfort with a tactile experience of nature. The careful integration of wood, water, and natural light reinforces the project’s sustainable and contemplative ethos.

Architectural Materials and Sustainability

The refuge emphasizes local materials, including aromatic woods and bamboo, in line with eco-friendly architectural practices. Translucent and transparent shoji panels regulate light and privacy, while the minimalist design encourages a reduced ecological footprint, highlighting Baquio Arquitectura’s commitment to sustainable forest architecture.

Irori Refuge: A Space for Mindfulness and Connection

Through its sensitive design, Irori Refuge redefines how architecture can mediate human interaction with nature. By prioritizing the senses, the project creates an intimate, contemplative environment that encourages reflection, reconnection, and sustainable living. This small yet profoundly impactful forest retreat demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can transform a space, even in previously overlooked or misused sites.

All photographs are works of  Punto Dos Studio