Caá Porá Arquitectura builds WildSumaco Research Pavilion in Ecuadorian Amazon
The WildSumaco Research Pavilion, located in Pacto Sumaco, Ecuador, was completed by the Ecuadorian firm Caá Porá Arquitectura in 2025. Commissioned by Francis Marion University, this facility aims to enhance research initiatives. The two-story building includes a laboratory and classroom designed to educate students and local families in biology and park management. The upper level features a classroom and a bird observatory, both with expansive glass walls, while research areas are situated on the lower level. The project emphasized forest integration and involved local communities, utilizing materials such as Guadua bamboo and bahareque walls. Key contributors included Josue Fernandez, Andrea Rodriguez, and structural engineer Patricio Cevallos, with photography by JAG Studio and Gabriel Moyer-Perez.
Key facts
- Caá Porá Arquitectura designed the WildSumaco Research Pavilion in the Amazon rainforest, Ecuador.
- The pavilion was commissioned by Francis Marion University to expand its research operations of over 20 years.
- Completed in 2025, the facility serves as a laboratory and classroom, the first phase of a larger campus.
- The two-level pavilion is elevated off the forest floor, with research spaces below and a bird observatory above.
- Materials include Guadua bamboo, structural timber, fibers, and stone, with soil from excavation used in bahareque walls.
- The project involved collaboration with the local community, with each technician paired with over fifteen community assistants.
- The design team includes Gabriel Moyer-Perez and Paula Izurieta.
- The client is The FMU Education Foundation.
Entities
Artists
- Gabriel Moyer-Perez
- Paula Izurieta
- Josue Fernandez
- Andrea Rodriguez
- Gen Moya
- Patricio Cevallos
- Filou Frichou
- Fabian Suntasig
- Willian Mora
- Elisa Zarria
- Isidro Barre
- Rober Andi
- Jimmy Morales
- José Andi
- Anderson Andi
- Wilson Andi
- Antony Morales
- Rogen Morales
- Vannesa Andi
- Dariana Andy
- Daira Andi
- Bernardo Jarrín
Institutions
- Caá Porá Arquitectura
- Francis Marion University
- The FMU Education Foundation
- Las Manos Sucias
- JAG Studio
- Dezeen
Locations
- Pacto Sumaco
- Ecuador
- Quito
- Amazon rainforest
- Sumaco volcano
Sources
- Dezeen —