El Hormiguero, the latest project by Estudio 2850, led by architect Janna Lasso Hadweh, showcases an elegant and restrained approach to architecture within Ecuador’s lush Andean Chocó region. This 25-square-meter cabin is barely visible from the road, blending into its natural surroundings behind a river stone wall and dense vegetation. Its minimalist design, featuring dark metal, charred wood, and glass, floats lightly over the lush greenery, sky, and mist.
Elevated atop nine metal stilts, the dwelling is perched along its narrow plot, oriented toward the town of Mindo. This placement takes advantage of the natural slope of the land, balancing privacy and expansive views. Despite its proximity to the road, the cabin’s design allows it to sit below the access level, offering seclusion while still opening toward the town. The approach to the cabin is designed to emerge from the dense vegetation — after a narrow entry path, the space opens up, creating a sudden feeling of expansiveness.
El Hormiguero小屋的设计理念之一是尽可能地减少对周围自然环境的影响。建筑师在设计时尽可能地尊重自然地形,保护原生植被和野生动物的栖息地。住宅场地周边的自然景观均没有被改变,保持自然生长的样貌,可将住宅内部空间与自然生长的花园之间建立联系。
The team at Estudio 2850 and architect Janna Lasso Hadweh orient El Hormiguero along the plot’s longitudinal axis, with a slight shift toward the south to optimize views of the nearby town of Mindo, Ecuador. By hugging the northwest boundary, the project maximizes the use of unbuilt spaces while maintaining a close connection to the natural landscape. Service areas, such as a semi-open shower screened with eucalyptus slats, are strategically placed on the side closest to neighboring properties. In contrast, the opposite side features a fixed mid-height window that spans the length of the cabin, bringing natural light into the lower floor without compromising privacy.
One of the core principles behind the design of El Hormiguero is minimizing its impact on the surrounding environment. The architects have intervened in the terrain only where absolutely necessary, preserving the native vegetation and wildlife as much as possible. The natural landscape surrounding the cabin remains largely untouched, with native plants growing freely and providing a direct connection between the cabin’s interior spaces and the unmanaged garden.
Ecuador-based Estudio 2850 pides the ground floor of El Hormiguero into two longitudinal halves, with each side receiving distinct material treatments. The northeast facade, facing the entry and road, is mostly concealed, with the upper floor bedroom screened by a wooden lattice for added privacy. In contrast, the southwest facade, facing the town and distant mountains, is more open and translucent, offering panoramic views and connecting the interior with the surrounding environment. A balcony extends from this facade, serving as a perch for birdwatching and blending into the natural surroundings with its matte, charred wood finish.
The interior design is equally thoughtful, with the upper floor bedroom offering uninterrupted views of the landscape through a skylight that runs along the cabin’s ridge. This skylight also filters light down to the ground floor, illuminating the space even on overcast days. The compact size of the cabin is offset by a versatile interior layout, where furniture and amenities are strategically placed to create a sense of spaciousness. Moveable elements such as stairs, tables, and partitions adapt to the needs of the occupants, making the space flexible and transformable.