the Portal
The Portal dynamises the entrance to Ekawa. The edge of the road spirals up in a helix form, returning back down to connect again with the road line. Two interlocking spirals create a three-dimensional lemniscate which relates to the archetype of the leaf, a form that is in metamorphosis, like the moment of transition through the gate between inside and outside.
The exciting challenge of this project was to create two spiralling arches that span the road to create an open, dynamic gateway. Spiral beams are the structural bamboo solution to these arches. They were first set out in space as lidi bundles, held in position by scaffolding poles which were marked with heights in order to create the three-dimensional form as designed. Once adjusted, the lidi bundles were wrapped with bamboo splits which became spiral beams with many, many layers of splits wrapping in all directions.
The ridge beam is a helix form, which takes the angle of the road line up in a three-dimensional spiral over the gateway, and then back down to the roadside on the other side. A secondary structure of bamboo split beams connects the spiralling arches and the helix ridge to create a leaf-like surface which was woven with bamboo splits to create a rigid form. An 'esterilla' (bamboo mat) layer gave a smooth surface upon which metal tiles could be fixed as the final waterproofing layer. The helical ridge line is highlighted using old ceramic tiles from the ancient roof of Casa Soná.
The stonework at either side continues the spiralling gesture, with twisting forms that undulate, connecting the gate and the edges of the roof. The gate holds it's space with a taller wooden post at either side, and with it's translucency, emanates a sense of presence yet a warmth, welcoming invitation to enter Ekawa.
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
Main construction: July to December 2024
Designed by Sergio and Elle.
Built in collaboration between: local craftspeople Fredy, Cesar, Esteban, Dorance, Guillermo, Medardo; international participants for the month of July, Alana, Bryan, Frank, Gabriela, Gregory, Imogen, Ivonne, Jade, Keith, Kevin, Kitty, Lauris, Lina, Manuela, Marieta, Mauricio, Pablo, Ricardo, Salome ; and co-founders Elle and Sergio.
