Among Quillayes Igumbi Lokugezela Lentaba by Hector Nava

Among Quillayes Igumbi Lokugezela Lentaba by Hector Nava is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award in Umkhiqizo Oqhubekayo Competition Category.

InsimbiUmkhiqizo Oqhubekayo· 2025

Among Quillayes Igumbi Lokugezela Lentaba

by Hector Nava

Client: Héctor Nava.

Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award Winner in Umkhiqizo Oqhubekayo Category

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The Design

About Among Quillayes Igumbi Lokugezela Lentaba

Okubekwe endaweni yemvelo ekhethekile, le phoroje yezakhiwo ichaza kabusha ubudlelwano phakathi kokwakha nendawo ngokugxila ekusimameni. Yakhelwe eduze nehlathi lase-Quillayes elihle kakhulu, iphoroje inciphisa umthelela emvelweni, ihlanganiswa ngokuphelele nendawo ezungezile. Isebenzisa izinto zokwakha ezitholakala endaweni ezinomthelela ophansi njengoukhuni, amatshe emvelo, kanye nezinti zikaloliwe ezibuyiselwe ekusetshenzisweni, kudala isimo sokubukeka esisezweni kepha esicwengekile esivumelana nemvelo. Umklamo ugcizelela ukusebenzisa amandla ngendlela efanele, kwehlisa umkhondo wekhabhoni futhi kukhuthaze ibhalansi yemvelo yesikhathi eside.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award

Among Quillayes Igumbi Lokugezela Lentaba iwinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile okunikezwa imiklamo emihle ehlangabezana nezidingo zobungcweti nezemboni ezilindelekile ezimpahleni ezihlelwe kahle. Abawinile beNsimbi babonisa ikhono elikhulu, ubungcweti obuphezulu, ukuqonda kochwepheshe namandla okudala abadali babo. Among Quillayes Igumbi Lokugezela Lentaba ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo esebenzayo nenezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu zemboni futhi unezimfanelo zobuchwepheshe ezifanelekile ezihlanganiswe nolwazi nethalente. Among Quillayes Igumbi Lokugezela Lentaba iyahlonishwa ngenxa yokucophelela kwayo futhi ihlelelwe ukulethela izinguquko zomgangatho wempilo ezisiza ukwenza umhlaba ube yindawo engcono.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This design is a sustainable architectural proposal that seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings, respecting and enhancing the existing ecosystem. What sets it apart is its focus on minimal environmental impact and the use of locally sourced, low-impact materials such as wood, natural stone, and reclaimed railway sleepers. The harmony between architecture and nature, combined with a rustic yet refined aesthetic, makes it a model of sustainability and respect for the landscape.
Dimensions & Packaging: The project measures 3.45 m in width, 2.00 m in depth, and covers approximately 7 m². The maximum facade height is 3.2 m, adapting to the roof slope and respecting the natural topography. The design harmoniously integrates with the environment, optimizing the relationship between structure, materials, and landscape.
Tags: Integration with the landscape, sustainable architecture, natural materials, adaptation to the terrain, bioclimatic design, respect for the environment, terraced platforms, vegetation preservation.
Production Technology: The design follows a contextual architecture approach, blending site analysis, digital modeling, and exploratory models. Durable materials like natural stone, concrete, recycled wooden sleepers, and wood were chosen for their environmental harmony. Terraced platforms follow the topography, optimizing views and circulation. Sustainability principles were prioritized to minimize environmental impact and enhance construction efficiency.
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge in this design was balancing integration with the natural environment while meeting local regulations and technical requirements. Adapting to the mountainous terrain and preserving a landmark tree required innovative solutions to protect the ecosystem. Additionally, selecting sustainable materials was complex due to the limited availability of local options that met durability and aesthetic needs. Overcoming these obstacles required a creative approach and thorough site analysis.
Research: The project explores how architecture can respectfully integrate with the natural landscape using sustainable materials. Data collected through site visits and analysis of locally available materials shows that natural materials strengthen the connection between the design and its environment. This approach fosters sustainable architecture by promoting environmentally respectful solutions and creating functional spaces.
Inspiration: This project integrates architecture with nature, prioritizing minimal intervention and preserving the majestic arrayán tree as the centerpiece. Guided by site-specific research, the design utilizes sustainable materials like natural stone, concrete, and wooden sleepers for durability and aesthetic harmony. The terraced platforms follow the natural terrain, ensuring a seamless connection between the built environment and the landscape.
Project Duration: The project started in March 2024 and finished in July 2024, located in the Arrayán mountain region in Lo Barnechea, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile.
Operation Flow: This space seamlessly blends with its surroundings, offering a welcoming and functional experience. The structure follows the land's shape, creating terraces that connect visually with the landscape. Wood and stone materials provide warmth and durability, while the layout optimizes light and ventilation. Every element is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and harmony with nature, enhancing the overall user experience.
Team Members: Architect: Héctor Nava.
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Héctor Nava, Landscape and Architecture, 2024.
Image #2: Illustrator Héctor Nava, Design and Nature, 2024.
Image #3: Photographer Héctor Nava, Integration of Elements, 2024.
Image #4: Illustrator Héctor Nava, Cabin interior, 2024.
Image #5: Photographer Héctor Nava, Platform and Topography, 2024.