Seeding technique: Innovation, transferability and social inclusion

The aim of the project is to insert a healing seed that evolves into a complex clinical structure, providing an affordable and intelligent building method. The procedure begets open source know-how for the community. It provides a collaborative technique from recycled prefabricated elements, that are operational for site workshop; the logistics are so simple that the basic unit may be set up and dismantled in very little time allowing the procedure to be repeated somewhere else. Therefore, local agents become system experts ensuring long term maintenance. It operates with social and gender equity as it employs local crafts. Roof and enclosure are tailored with local materials and expertise. Environmental education involves passive energy, earthquake prevention and waste management.

“Socratea" adapted species: resource and environmental performance

The project is conceived as a highly adaptive construction with minimum impact on the site. The recoverable shallow foundations imply no soil movement. As a semi-prefabricated building process there is a minimum waste production. The roof and enclosure design provides thermal inertia, cooling and naturally ventilating the inner structure while collecting fresh water for the dry season. The building is elevated from the ground in order to protect from humidity and flooding. The passive energy is condensed in solar towers with photovoltaic cells combined with micro wind turbines. A smart grid manager coordinates and optimizes production and consumption of energy. Grey water is managed, biologically treated and returned to lagoon. Materials are chosen on low ecological footprint criteria.

Renewed forest: contextual impact and economic viability

The seeding technique also applies to economy and landscape. Socratea pursues a forest recovery operation. It blends in with a highly savage environment where volcanoes, tropical storms and earthquakes have given shape to the landscape. The building is designed to perform in extreme conditions, which makes it resistant and sustainable for the local economies. It is suitable for different geographical scenarios both stable and unstable: the pilot case of Masaya is a testing field that provides example for emergency situations. The project adapts to size needs and may expand or reduce responding to changing program needs. It preserves natural watercourses and animal routes and performs as a breeding ground for endangered vegetal species.