al borde employs ancestral ecuadorian techniques with yuyarina pacha library

A Community-Driven Approach to Learning and Gathering

The Yuyarina Pacha Community Library has been designed by Quito-based architecture firm Al Borde as a social and educational hub for Huaticocha, Ecuador. The timber structure, with its thatched rooftop, is located in within the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve ‘buffer zone,’ bringing a new learning space to the tropical region. Named for the Kichwa phrase meaning ‘Space-Time to Think,’ this innovative project by architecture studio Al Borde was designed to encourage learning and community connection. Set in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the library supports a holistic education model introduced by the local Laboratorio Creativo Sarawarmi and Witoca, a local coffee-focused agricultural association.

In 2019, local groups launched a small reading club for children, which quickly grew in popularity. The program soon expanded beyond reading to become a safe space for children to learn, play, and create. As demand increased, the need for a larger, multifunctional space became clear. In response, the community worked with Al Borde to create the Yuyarina Pacha Library, which now serves as both a library and a meeting space for the Huaticocha community.

images © JAG Studio

A Structure Rooted in Ancestral Materials and Techniques

The architects at Al Borde structure the Yuyarina Pacha Library across three levels, each with a distinct purpose. On the open ground floor, the community hosts hands-on workshops in art and science. Here, children and adults can work with water, food, and other materials. The space also functions as a gathering area for the agricultural association and other community events. The first floor holds the library’s book collection, offering open-shelf access that encourages young readers to explore. Additionally, this floor provides one of the largest community spaces in the building, making it ideal for meetings and group activities.

The second floor, meanwhile, focuses on digital learning and cultural preservation. Equipped with tablets and computers, this level enables children to access audio stories that preserve the community’s oral traditions. A balcony reading table connects visually with the first floor, fostering a strong sense of community.

the Yuyarina Pacha Community Library is hidden among the Ecuadorian Amazon

climate-Responsive Design with Organic Materials

The Yuyarina Pacha Library relies on Chonta, a durable Amazonian palm traditionally used in local architecture, for its core structure. Known for its resilience, Chonta wood can be embedded directly into the ground without waterproofing. The community incorporates local building techniques with the use of Chonta wood into a design that also meets contemporary needs.

Al Borde embraced the variability of natural materials like Chonta, designing the structure to accommodate slight irregularities. The library’s steeply pitched thatched roof adapts to the region’s heavy rainfall, and a glass skylight along the ridge provides natural lighting. This thoughtful feature not only illuminates the space but also simplifies construction and maintenance of the roof, which requires special attention in traditional thatched buildings.

Yuyarina Pacha reflects the strength and self-reliance of the Huaticocha community. Residents began hosting events at the library even before construction finished, underscoring their commitment to the project. By creating a space for learning, connection, and cultural preservation, Al Borde and the Huaticocha community have established a valuable resource that supports education and sustainable growth. In doing so, they demonstrate how rural communities can thrive and maintain their traditions, even with minimal support from outside institutions.

the name Yuyarina Pacha means ‘space-time to think’ in Kichwa