el hormiguero: estudio 2850's A-frame cabin on stilts overlooks ecuadorean andes

a cabin among the trees

El Hormiguero, the latest project by Estudio 2850 with architect Janna Lasso Hadweh, showcases an elegant and restrained approach to architecture within Ecuador’s lush Andean Chocó region. This 24-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.

the cabin is located in the lush Andean Chocó region | image © JAG Studio, web header © Isabel Delgado

minimal impact on ecuador’s lush environment

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.

stilts elevate the structure, positioned discreetly on a narrow plot | image © Isabel Delgado

contrasting facades by estudio 2850

Ecuador-based Estudio 2850 divides 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.

privacy balances with open views by taking advantage of the land’s natural slope | image © JAG Studio

strategic placement maximizes unbuilt spaces and integrates the cabin with nature | image © JAG Studio

a skylight runs along the upper floor, providing natural light and views of Mindo | image © JAG Studio

the structure minimizes its environmental impact by preserving the terrain and plants | image © JAG Studio

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image © Isabel Delgado

image © Isabel Delgado

image © Isabel Delgado

image © JAG Studio

image © JAG Studio

image © JAG Studio

image © JAG Studio

image © JAG Studio

image © JAG Studio

image © Isabel Delgado

image © Isabel Delgado

image © Isabel Delgado

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: El Hormiguero

architect: Estudio 2850 | @2850estudio, Janna Lasso Hadweh | Janna Lasso Hadweh

location: Mindo, Ecuador

built area: 25 square meters

completion: 2024

photography: © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec | © Isabel Delgado | @isabeldelgado.a

client: Añanku Cabins | @ananku_cabins

structure: Micra Taller | @micra.ec

engineering: Patricio Cevallos

collaborators: Blake De La Torre, Berenice Chicaiza