Kallari Chocolate Factory
Napo Province, Ecuador, 2008
International competition, finalist

The proposal for the Kallari chocolate factory and related facilities is put forth as an organizational strategy consisting of a series of clusters, made from hexagonal assemblies of handcrafted baskets, which define the ceiling plane and program enclosures below. These baskets, treated with natural tree resins to withstand varying weather conditions, become pot-like structures capable of holding different local plantings of flowers, fruits and aromatic herbs. The products resulting from these harvests could in turn be used and mixed into the Kallari produced chocolate or simply serve as an alternative means of income and consumption for local communities. Given the particular topographical condition of the site, the flower-like green roofscape is the first element of the Kallari complex as visitors approach the site, and is always the most visible. Thus it is designed as an iconic and recognizable element within the landscape, with a clear geometrical organization that can be replicated in different sites, and is proposed also for the satellite hubs.

PROJECT DATA
Design: Eva Perez de Vega
Client: Kallari Association with Architecture for Humanity
Area: New building 13 acres site, 1300m2 bldg