Mirrored viewing platform by Natura Futura is disguised against the Ecuadorean landscape
Projecting over a hillside in the Ecuadorean countryside, this small mirrored viewpoint was designed by Natura Futura Arquitectura as a rest stop for hikers (+slideshow).
![Mirrored observation point by Natura Futura Arquitectura surveys Ecuadorean landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/09/the-invisible-portal-natura-futura-arquitectura-guapuloma-provincia-de-bolivar-ecuador-installation-mirror_dezeen_2364_col_13-852x567.jpg)
The Los Rios-based studio positioned The Invisible Portal on a trail that runs between Guaranda and Babahoyo in the Andes mountains.
![Mirrored observation point by Natura Futura Arquitectura surveys Ecuadorean landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/09/the-invisible-portal-natura-futura-arquitectura-guapuloma-provincia-de-bolivar-ecuador-installation-mirror_dezeen_2364_ss_2-852x608.jpg)
The 13-square-metre structure is made from wood but covered in mirrored panels that reflect the mist-filled valley below.
"The number of people who visit the natural vantage point use this space as a point for meeting and to rest on the grass," said Natura Futura.
![Mirrored observation point by Natura Futura Arquitectura surveys Ecuadorean landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/09/the-invisible-portal-natura-futura-arquitectura-guapuloma-provincia-de-bolivar-ecuador-installation-mirror_dezeen_2364_col_5-e1474997072878-852x948.jpg)
The mirrored walls are intended to help the observation point blend into its environment.
A small gap in the rear wall of the simple, open-air structure allows visitors to access the wood-lined platform within.
![Mirrored observation point by Natura Futura Arquitectura surveys Ecuadorean landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/09/the-invisible-portal-natura-futura-arquitectura-guapuloma-provincia-de-bolivar-ecuador-installation-mirror_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x566.jpg)
Broad steps that double as a bench lead up to the edge of the pavilion, which cantilevers over the hillside.
![Mirrored observation point by Natura Futura Arquitectura surveys Ecuadorean landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/09/the-invisible-portal-natura-futura-arquitectura-guapuloma-provincia-de-bolivar-ecuador-installation-mirror_dezeen_2364_ss_9-852x609.jpg)
From here, visitors can stand on the wall to get a better view of the forested mountains and sheep roaming the pastoral landscape.
Photography is by Natura Futura Arquitectura.
Project credits:
Architecture: Natura Futura Arquitectura
Collaborators: Ramón Vivanco, Nathaly Gaona, Fausto Quiroz, Herman Laroze
![Mirrored observation point by Natura Futura Arquitectura surveys Ecuadorean landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/09/the-invisible-portal-natura-futura-arquitectura-guapuloma-provincia-de-bolivar-ecuador-installation-mirror_dezeen_plan.gif)
![Mirrored observation point by Natura Futura Arquitectura surveys Ecuadorean landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/09/the-invisible-portal-natura-futura-arquitectura-guapuloma-provincia-de-bolivar-ecuador-installation-mirror_dezeen_section.gif)