Architects: fabrikg
Area: 127 m²
Year: 2019
Manufacturers: AutoDesk, BambuSoluciones, Bambucid, Band it, Fierro, Robert McNeel & Associates, SAYER
Lead Architect: Gonzalo Elizarraras, Maria Manuel Ponte
Design Team: Gonzalo Elizarraras, Maria Manuel Ponte, Alejandro Martinez, Martin Cesena, Ángel Máximo, David Campos
Clients: Puerto Raíz
Landscaping: fabrikg
City: San José del Cabo
Country: Mexico
The Bathroom Pavilion “Flor de Bambú,” designed by FabrikG in San José del Cabo, Mexico, is the first completed structure of the “Puerto Raíz” project. Inspired by a courtyard layout, it uses ovoid reed walls and planters to merge natural surroundings with private male and female bathroom areas. Vertical bamboo strips and a flower-like bamboo structure with horizontal rings provide both aesthetic and structural elements, anchored by a central concrete column. Locally sourced materials such as bamboo, reed, and wood combine traditional techniques with modern methods, promoting bamboo as a sustainable resource. Elevated on a stone base to prevent flood damage, the pavilion’s permeable design and removable shade meshes withstand hurricanes. A micro wastewater treatment system recycles water for irrigation, contributing to environmental restoration.
Positioned along the northern edge of the Estero de San José del Cabo in Baja California Sur, Mexico, “Flor de Bambú” represents the first completed structure in a series of natural constructions planned for the “Puerto Raíz” project, a venue designed for hosting events.
“Flor de Bambú” (Bamboo Flower) is designed around the concept of a courtyard, serving as the initial point of entry that welcomes visitors and directs them toward private areas—the male and female bathrooms. Enclosed by an ovoid-shaped reed wall, the courtyard naturally mirrors the flow of the surrounding reed, defining the space without isolating it from its natural setting. Planters enhance privacy while extending the natural environment indoors, fostering a seamless sense of continuity with the surrounding landscape.
Two ramps lead visitors toward the bathrooms, guiding them through vertical bamboo strips that define the private cubicles and a textured wall for the urinals. This design seamlessly integrates various elements, from walls and luminaires to the overall structure, with a refined and elegant finish.
A cluster of bamboo columns forms the central flower, extending outward to meet the reed wall and, along with horizontal rings, establishing a mesh of structural interdependence. The structure is anchored and stabilized by a central concrete column, while metal hoops with tensioners, shaped like a mandala, ensure balance and cooperation among the components. Vertical bamboo poles provide lateral support, introducing a rhythm that appears both orderly and organic, as if the elements had naturally grown in place.
The materials reflect the region’s traditional construction practices, elevating their relevance through a harmonious blend of traditional and modern bio-construction techniques. Using predominantly vernacular materials from Baja California Sur, such as reed, bamboo, and wood, the design honors local craftsmanship. Bamboo, emphasized as the central element, aims to highlight its potential as a sustainable and underutilized resource in the region, encouraging a shift in local construction paradigms. The integration of metal connections fosters a dialogue between traditional and industrial techniques, revitalizing traditional methods and ensuring their continued relevance.
Located adjacent to Estero Josefino, a protected natural wetland with a high flood risk, the structure was elevated 1 meter above ground level on a stone base to prevent flood damage. Furthermore, the region’s history of strong winds and hurricanes influenced the design, prioritizing permeability. The shade mesh was made easily removable to allow wind to flow freely between the organic elements, while bamboo’s inherent flexibility enables the structure to bend and move without collapsing.
As a sanitary installation, the pavilion includes a micro wastewater treatment plant designed to prevent the creation of organic sludge. The system purifies wastewater, completing the cycle in an existing natural pond that acts as a biological filter. This process allows the treated water to be reused for irrigation while simultaneously regenerating the natural environment and supporting the local ecosystem.
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Project Location
Address: Estero San José, Boulevard Antonio Mijares sin número (s/n), Campo de Golf Fonatur, Zona Hotelera, 23400 San José del Cabo, Municipio de Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, México
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
