elevated over a water channel in an agricultural area of baba canton in ecuador‘s los rios province is a tea room designed by natura futura arquitectura. the 32 m2 space was inspired by an elderly man called don pepe, who, every afternoon, has a cup of tea or coffee with his family. natura futura’s objective was to maintain this tradition within an adaptable space that generates a connection with family as well as the surrounding natural landscape.

natura futura raises a timber tea room over a water channel in ecuador designboom

images by JAG studio

 

 

the tea room, with dimensions of 8m x 4m, rests on two pre-existing concrete structures that were to be used for the construction of a bridge. the recent intervention by natura futura utilizes a basic system of wooden trusses, which were sourced from the same site and built with local labor. the use of static and mobile glass panels allows the project to open up to the environment and blur the line between indoor and outdoor space, immersing family and friends in the surrounding flora and fauna.

natura futura raises a timber tea room over a water channel in ecuador designboom

 

 

the flexible program is complemented by a multifunctional counter and a bathroom. the view from the inside is finished with folding lattice doors that open onto the balcony, where a folding handrail defines the outer limits of the project. this, together with the river stone steps, affords a direct connection with the water.

natura futura raises a timber tea room over a water channel in ecuador designboom

 

 

the tea room explores the possibilities of an open space that lives in an environment of natural bounty. it is established as a flexible place, where morning yoga, weekend visits, afternoon tea and sunday football matches can all be held in one space. ‘the tea room reflects on a minimal architecture that can integrate, understand and be part of its environment; maintaining a balance between the new and the existing in order to generate spaces for sharing,’  says natura futura.

natura futura raises a timber tea room over a water channel in ecuador designboom

natura futura raises a timber tea room over a water channel in ecuador designboom

natura futura raises a timber tea room over a water channel in ecuador designboom

natura futura raises a timber tea room over a water channel in ecuador designboom

natura futura raises a timber tea room over a water channel in ecuador designboom

natura futura raises a timber tea room over a water channel in ecuador designboom

natura futura raises a timber-built tea room over a water channel in los rios, ecuador

natura futura raises a timber-built tea room over a water channel in los rios, ecuador

natura futura raises a timber-built tea room over a water channel in los rios, ecuador

 

 

project info:

 

name: the tea room

location: baba, los rios, ecuador

architect: natura futura

year: 2021

area: 32 m2

photography: JAG studio | @jag_studio

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom