CasaToquilla is located on the island of Portete in Esmeraldas, 5 min from Mompiche. The passage is only by boat and this makes it an adventure. You have protected mangroves and neighboring islands that you can visit. An amazing and quiet place. Casa Toquilla is part of an investigation by our architecture studio RAMA Estudio, in which it is proposed to work with endemic materials and construction systems of the region. The idea was always to have our refuge in direct connection with the sea.
The space
CasaToquilla is a project that we have designed with the aim of optimizing spaces so that the experience of living in them focuses on the connection with the sea and the beach. on the land, there are two independent cabins. Each one has all the necessary spaces for the stay and each cabin is rented in its entirety regardless of the number of guests (max 8) The spaces are open and fluid, there are no doors or walls except for the bathrooms. Each cabin has 4 double beds, two on the second floor and one bunk bed on the first floor.
Guest access
In our lot, there are two independent cabins. You have access to the entire cabin. However, the garden is shared by the two houses, you may share it with other gests if your reservation coincides with one of the other cabin.
Other things to note
CasaToquilla is located on the island of Portete in Esmeraldas, 5 minutes from Mompiche.
The crossing is only achieved by boat and this makes it an adventure. You have protected mangroves and nearby islands that you can visit. Portete is an amazing and quiet place to enjoy and relax.
CasaToquilla is part of an investigation by our architecture studio RAMA Estudio. We propose to work with endemic materials and construction systems in the area. It was conceived as a minimal, replicable, comfortable, accessible, and cozy home.
At first, we only rented to friends and family, but we decided to open our doors to people who we believe would find value in inhabiting this space.
The idea was always to have our shelter in direct connection with the sea, the breeze, and its biodiversity. When receiving guests, we do not see it as that we are renting, we see it as that we are sharing our house with others.
All the materials used in its construction are local, renewable and biodegradable, for this reason, the structure is made of bamboo and wood, and the closures are made of toquilla straw and pambil.
We have a biodigester that allows us to treat liquid and solid waste so as not to contaminate the mangrove swamp. WE ALSO ONLY USE BIODEGRADABLE CLEANING PRODUCTS.
We recommend introducing the least amount of plastic products and packaging to the island. In the same way, we propose that disposable or single-use products not be used, since garbage management on the island is complex, and in this way, we contribute to reducing the volume of waste.
There are several options for food and the supply of basic products on the island, thus supporting local businesses and the community.
We also invite those who pass through CasaToquilla, to contribute with their "grain of sand" and that each walk around the island be the opportunity to collect plastics that are found on the beach since they are harmful to flora and fauna.
CasaToquilla is pet-friendly, however, pets cannot climb on the couches or beds. It is the responsibility of pet owners to collect their waste and, above all, to be aware of them in times of nesting and birth of sea turtles.
It is always recommended to walk away from the trunks of the palm trees because although it has never been recorded, it is better to avoid a coconut falling on someone.
We are convinced that it is not only the project that should have a low impact on the island, but that it is what inspires those who visit it, to improve the environment and the community of Portete.
We hope you like and enjoy our space and that you take care of it as you would like them to take care of your home, that you take care of the island and enjoy its beaches and landscapes.
