BAMBOO LAB
generation 5:
PORTAL
JULY 2024
This was a beautiful coming together of souls from many walks of life and many places in the world -- UK, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Martinique, Mexico, USA, Ecuador, South Africa....
Mornings focused on the co-creation of a spiralling portal entrance to the territory of Ekawa, marking a transition towards a territory of magical realism. Afternoons focused on exploring personal design projects, from sculptural models of bamboo structures to the fabrication of bamboo paper.
Somatic sessions and ceremonies elevated the energy and created a sense of deep connection.
generation 4:
WEAVE
FEBRUARY 2023
Shortly before Generation 4, a 100-year-old heritage house with rammed-earth walls and a crumbling roof (Casa Soná) had become part of the Ekawa territory. As part of a renovation project, we conceived a design of bamboo cupolas that would support an expansive roof of rafters, to open the social spaces of the house to the surrounding vistas. Weaving ancient heritage with the future potential of bamboo, Generation 4 constructed the cupolas, interlacing bamboo splits into structural domes with an oculus, to open each room to celestial light.
generation 3:
GROUNDING
FEBRUARY 2021
At the time of Generation 3 roots had been formed to the extent that there was a need for a plant nursery and the creation of an edible garden. At the same time, we felt a calling to refine the palette of finishes in our bamboo creations, for instance through the use of Tadelakt. The gathering focused on the interior works of the Moon House and the primary structure for our plant nursery (Sewing Seeds). A beautiful outpouring of creative energies from participants led to yoga classes in the circle of trees, ecstatic dances by the moonlight, hiking adventures and delicious feasts.
AUGUST 2019
Having created home in the rainforest (and built a few more structures with a local team of craftspeople) Generation 2 took place at a time of expansion for our project. We were ready for an evolution of the experience of wonder, and with a group of 15 participants and a team of 4 locals, we created the primary structure of the Studio. During the month-long gathering there was a palpable sense of community living and a spontaneous sharing of wellness experiences and ceremonies.
generation 2:
WONDER
generation 1:
SURVIVAL
JULY 2018
Generation 1 was the beginning of Ekawa (we hadn’t even thought of that name at the time!). 20 British university students came with us on an expedition to the rainforest, to set up a campsite and begin our explorations with bamboo. We experimented with curved beams and bamboo arches in the construction of our first ever structure in this territory. At the same time, we felt the empowering experience of rainforest survival.
TESTIMONIALS
This visionary project seamlessly blends creativity with the untamed nature of the jungle. During my stay, I delved into the mesmerising world of bamboo architecture, learning and immersing myself in the construction process, from the harvest to crafting monumental 10-meter beams. Ekawa is much more than a positive reinforcement of your love of bamboo; it's embracing your inner wild side and discovering new ways of thinking. Expect refreshing river baths, tasting exotic fruits you never knew existed and uncovering a whole new way of life. The memories made here have opened up so many new possibilities and opportunities and I will forever be grateful for my time with my jungle family.
-- Izzy / 23 / UK / Architecture Student --
I loved the vibrant food, the shared spiritual interests, the calmness of the place, the sustainable realization, the wilderness and closeness with pure nature, and obviously the stunning bamboo construction process... I can't imagine that anything could have been better than how it was here... this place the people and the energy nourished my heart to the fullest.
-- Salome / 19 / Switzerland / Events creator --
The mystery curtain that veils the craft of bamboo has been pulled from my perspective! Thank you for opening up your space for co-creation and sharing, you've inspired my reality more than you'll ever know...
-- River / 28 / New Zealand / Vegan Chef --
There is such a shining light inside of you two, and this light shines on every single spot of this beautiful place. Because of that it is possible that you create such incredible beauties like the Studio.
-- Severin / 40 / Germany / Carpenter --
I would say that the word to best describe this experience for me is "inspiration". Being here has led to a healing of my body thanks to the change of diet, a clarity of mind thanks to the quietness of space and a connection with my spirit thanks to being immersed in nature.
-- Paola / 30 / Spain / Travelling South America by bicycle --
The 21 days in the jungle taught me countless things and I see them as potentially the most important 3 weeks of my life. The lessons I learned over this period could not have happened anywhere else and I am extremely grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
-- Nick / 18 / UK / Architecture Student --
This experience has allowed me to really see how much my actions affect the immediate future. Back home we are much more distant from the consequences of our actions. The experience was perfect for me at this point in my life and I hope more people can have the same chance as I did to experience nature and life around it.
-- Isaac / 19 / UK / Architecture Student --