Cantilevered classroom in the forest of Cerro Blanco, Ecuador

In a protected park inhabited by more than 200 species of birds, Al Borde architectural studio designed an observatory overlooking the landscape.

Dialogue, learning and sharing knowledge in an uncontaminated natural setting: with this goal in mind, the Al Borde studio has built a small but spectacular project in the Cerro Blanco protected forest. The structure is the first part of a larger master plan to enjoy the landscape in a new way. It is an open-air classroom which will host several school groups, among the main categories visiting the forest.

The project is essential in its construction: the wooden structure – cantilevered over the landscape – was burned using the Japanese technique of “shou sugi ban”, which makes the material weatherproof and durable, without using chemicals. The structure was covered with a fabric impregnated with cement mortar, supported by a tensile structure. This element was designed in cooperation with Holcim Innovation Center, which developed a high-strength mortar to be sprayed on the fabric.

A prize for architecture between lights and volumes: LFA Award

An international photography competition that invites photographers worldwide to capture the essence of contemporary architecture. Inspired by the work of the famous Portuguese photographer Luis Ferreira Alves, the award seeks images that explore the dialogue between man and space.

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