Located between the sea and the mountains on the outskirts of Puerto Escondido, the Orchid Pavilion is a conservation space for orchids. Designed by Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica (CCA) under the guidance of Bernardo Quinzaños, the structure reflects the interplay of Oaxacan craftsmanship, Japanese philosophy, and sustainable design principles, aligning with Casa Wabi’s mission of fostering connections between art, community, and the environment.
Orchid Pavilion Technical Information
- Architects1-4: Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica (CCA)
- Location: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, México
- Completion Year: 2024
- Photographs: © Rafael Gamo, © Jaime Navarro
Wabi-Sabi—which finds beauty and harmony in simplicity, imperfection, and unconventionality—resonates with the region’s vernacular, locally sourced materials, and the exceptional craftsmanship of its artisans.
– CCA Architects
Orchid Pavilion Photographs
Design Philosophy: Merging Wabi-Sabi and Ikigai
The Orchid Pavilion is part of a series of architectural interventions by Casa Wabi, known for commissioning innovative designs that celebrate art and community. Following notable contributions from figures like Álvaro Siza and Kengo Kuma, the Pavilion extends this legacy by creating a space that serves as a functional orchid sanctuary and a meditative retreat.
The Pavilion’s design draws deeply from the Japanese philosophies of Wabi-Sabi and Ikigai. Wabi-Sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection, simplicity, and the natural cycles of life, resonates strongly with the vernacular traditions of the Oaxacan coast. This philosophy guided the choice of materials, including locally sourced wood, custom-crafted concrete, ceramic components, and the structure’s understated yet evocative aesthetic.
Equally influential was the concept of Ikigai—the Japanese idea of deriving happiness through purposeful living. For the Orchid Pavilion, Ikigai finds expression in its dual role: fostering the delicate growth of orchids while offering visitors a space for contemplation and reconnection. Every aspect of the Pavilion’s design—from its tactile materiality to the sensory journey it creates—aims to inspire mindfulness and purposefulness in its visitors.
Functional Excellence: Sustainability and Technical Innovation
Beyond its philosophical underpinnings, the Orchid Pavilion excels in its technical and functional execution. The primary challenge was to create an environment that mimics the natural conditions orchids need to thrive: humidity, shade, and ventilation. This was achieved through an ingenious system of gravity-fed humidifiers. Pyramid-shaped water basins release fine droplets that collect in concrete trays below, ensuring consistent moisture without the need for manual irrigation. The design integrates passive ventilation, allowing breezes to circulate freely, further enhancing the environment for orchid growth.
Sustainability was a cornerstone of the project. Locally sourced materials—wood and high-temperature fired concrete ceramics—reduced the environmental footprint and celebrated Oaxacan artisanal traditions. These choices demonstrate how architectural innovation can coexist with ecological responsibility and cultural preservation.
A Space for Reflection and Connection
The Orchid Pavilion transcends its utilitarian purpose of becoming a sanctuary for introspection and harmony. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the sound of dripping water, the gentle touch of humid air, and the sight of orchids thriving in their delicate habitat. This multisensory experience fosters a profound connection to nature and encourages a meditative state of mind.
The Pavilion’s design thoughtfully bridges the human and the natural. The shared water system—nurturing both orchids and visitors—serves as a metaphor for the interdependence of life. The simplicity of the structure, coupled with its sensory richness, creates a space that reorients visitors to the humble essence of existence.
Orchid Pavilion Image Gallery
About Bernardo Quinzaños
Bernardo Quinzaños is the founder of Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica (CCA), an award-winning architecture studio established in 2008 in Mexico City. As the CEO and Creative Director of CCA, Quinzaños is known for his innovative approach to public, cultural, and residential projects, characterized by geometric precision, sustainability, and a profound sensitivity to context. His work reflects a humanistic ethos, blending cutting-edge structural systems with a respect for local materials and traditions.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Client: Fundación Casa Wabi
Lead Architect: Bernardo Quinzaños
Design Team: Santiago Vélez, Begoña Manzano, Andrés Suárez, Miguel Izaguirre, Florencio de Diego, Carlos Cruz Ay, Javier Castillo, Carlos Molina, Cristian Nieves, Abigail Zavaleta, Fernanda Ventura
Model Photography: Vanessa Nieves, Arturo Arrieta, CCA Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica
