Al Borde's Witoca Lab: Adobe Vaults Rise in Ecuadorian Amazon
Al Borde has inaugurated Witoca Lab in Huaticocha, situated in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The facility aims to develop biological pest-control solutions, drawing inspiration from Kichwa agroecological practices. Supported by Ecuador's National Institute of Agricultural Research, the lab focuses on beneficial microorganisms, including Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma, to combat pests in coffee and cocoa crops. The lab features distinct zones—Entry, Reproduction, and Incubation—linked by a central workspace designed with adobe vaults for effective climate management. The project was facilitated by CEFA and executed under master builder Miguel Ramos using the Lak'a UTA vault technique.
Key facts
- Witoca Lab is located in Huaticocha, within the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
- The lab reproduces biological pest-control agents like Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma.
- INIAP developed the microbial strains for ecological control of coffee and cocoa pests.
- CEFA provided training to the Witoca community in reproducing and applying these biological technologies.
- The building uses adobe vaults for passive climate control, reducing energy demand.
- The vault technique is based on Lak'a UTA by Bolivian architect Raúl Sandoval.
- Master builder Miguel Ramos led construction on site.
- Local clay-rich soil produced durable adobe but required cement-based mortar due to humidity.
Entities
Artists
- Al Borde
- Raúl Sandoval
- Miguel Ramos
- María Fernanda Heredia
- Emilie Spitz
- Javier Almendarez
- Carolina Quishpe
- Andrea Raos
- Patricio Cevallos
- Juan Alberto Andrade
Institutions
- Al Borde
- INIAP
- CEFA
- FIEDS
- Alstom Foundation
- Witoca
- AsoAmazonas
- JAG Studio
- designboom
Locations
- Huaticocha
- Sumaco Biosphere Reserve
- Ecuadorian Amazon
- Ecuador
- Provincia de Orellana