There is a lot of talk these days about sustainable architecture, also called sustainable, green architecture or eco-architecture. But what really are the pillars to be able to affirm that a line of sustainable development is being followed? Below we list them so you can get to know them:
- The analysis of the life cycle of the materials you use.
- The development of the use of raw materials and renewable energies.
- The reduction of the quantities of materials and energy used in the extraction of natural resources, their exploitation and the destruction or recycling of waste.
- Management of solid and liquid waste produced in the place where the activity is carried out
Playa La Roca Eco Hotel since its inception has been characterized by having a concept of sustainable architecture and acting in accordance with this concept. Sustainability is normally accompanied by activities that support it; At Playa la Roca we take care of the water sources, we promote the care and proliferation of the flora and fauna of the region through native tree planting, we use renewable materials for construction provided by the region; We take advantage of the resources of the environment for the operation of our systems, seeking that they do not have any negative impact on the environment.
We are now going to concentrate a little more on the materials that we use in our constructions and we will leave for another post what concerns the production of waste, which as such has 50% importance when evaluating the topic.
Wood
They are collected woods that lie on the ground, mainly we find in this region the Heart of Guayacán Quebracho commonly known as Gusanero, fine wood from trees that have fallen 150-200 years ago and today its heart, its hardest and firmest part is available to us. The collection has been done in the basins and micro basins and with this material the poles that support our buildings have been made; It also has other uses such as making furniture: tables, chairs, benches, armchairs; and decorative elements such as lamps and basins.
Palm
We use Bitter Palm (Sabalmauritiiformis) for the roofs of the cabins. This palm occurs wild in forests and ravines in almost all tropical countries and is native to Africa. It is a 100% renewable material, once it is pruned it returns and grows more strongly its foliage.
Adobe
For the construction of the walls of the house, adobe blocks built with mud and wood sawdust pressed after a simple but dedicated process, are an excellent product in terms of resistance, durability and thermal capacity. The clay and earth must be mixed in a minimum percentage of sand so that together with the sawdust (which is thick and fine wood), the cow dung and the recycling of plastic fibers (if desired), they allow us to obtain a soft and compact mass capable of melting in a mold and leaving it immediately; We will obtain the solid block after a considerable drying time without exposing it directly to the elements, this being the ideal moment for handling and transport.
In the Palomino Workshop House project (cetacpalomino@gmail.com) you can obtain all the information and experience for the production of this precious construction material.
Can Cane
Belonging to the chamaedorea family that has more than 100 species of palms, it is a fabulous material for building because it is light and versatile, very useful for closing spaces while preserving the organic environment to which it also adds special beauty due to its presentation, since By giving it a special finish you can make it shine like ivory.
Obtaining it is complex because it is covered with very fine and sharp thorns and is generally found in flooded land near the Madre Vieja or mangrove swamp, which makes access to it even more difficult. It is a totally renewable material that reproduces through rhizomes, which guarantees permanent growth of the plant.
These are some of the materials that we have available in this area of the tropical humid forest and that allow us to build fresh, airy, resistant and long-lasting spaces with the possibility of recreating ourselves every day in the beauty of nature and its organic essence. We invite you to be part of this experience.
