AATA Associate Architects :
“We originally started with the idea of the Morerava Cabins when we saw an opportunity to create a tourist complex on Easter Island in 2009. Analysing the tourist market on the Island we quickly realized most sectors were well developed, spanning from luxury Hotels to private homes and camping, however one niche sector was not covered: family friendly cabins which meet certain quality standards.
When we started to design the cabins we realized a very bespoke design would be required in order to correspond to the unique and delicate context of the island. The construction process, material resourcing and daily usage of the cabins had to have minimal impact on the very fragile environment of Easter Island.
Since the temperature on Easter Island is always close to the comfort zone (subtropical climate), it was not necessary to add thermal insulation, allowing what traditionally would leave the interior structure of the panels visible. This results in savings in material and workmanship and, as the timber structure is visible, creates an interesting design.
A space between ceiling panels and zinc cover thermally insulates the roof structure, allowing the natural air ventilation to remove any built-up heat.
We implemented continuous windows on either side of the huts in order to allow for sufficient interior luminance and cross ventilation avoiding the need of any mechanical systems. The location of all windows prevent visual connections from cabin to cabin allowing for the necessary privacy amongst all visitors.
All Cabins have a rainwater collection system, which stores and treats the water for the re-usage in the cabins. Water from the network is only used in case this supply runs out. This avoids the over consumption of a resource which is rare on the Island. Hot water comes from solar heating tanks to the solar panels located on each cottage’s roof, avoiding the use of gas or electricity (which in the island is generated from petrol).
Each cabin has 60 sqm plus 17 sqm on terraced decks and is equipped for up to 6 visitors.
Architects: AATA Associate Architects
Location: Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile
Client: Cabañas Morerava
Construction: Alejandro Martinez Z.
Area: 77 sqm
Project Year: 2009-2010
Photographs: AATA
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