Project entry 2020 for Latin America

Ethical Standards and Social Inclusion: Population as a Protagonist

Throughout the project execution, the local population will assume a protagonist role. Starting from the supply of building materials to the engineering and use of labour force, hence strengthening the local economy.

Once completed, the complex will not only offer quality housing but also a space that fosters culture and leisure activities. As a result, a sense of community is created and empowered.

The access to those activities is intended for not only the residents of the complex, but also the surrounding communities. In that way, the complex generates a micro local economy and cultural center for the region. All the public spaces within the project are accessible to physically impaired people.

Contextual and aesthetic impact: Nature and Architecture Integrated

Amazon basin water levels vary throughout the seasons and, therefore, the building structure needs to adapt according to those changes. The design of the housing complex was inspired by the traditional Amazon architecture in such a manner that is in harmony with the people and its environment.

The way this is done is by elevating the complex from the ground, as a reference to the popular stilt house. A floating floor, that varies in accordance with flood and ebb seasons, is also created, which is a common technique found in floating houses of the region, that allows for a continuous dialog with the local landscape.

A requalification of the landscape is also done through the creation of a park that dialogues with the cultural and leisure spaces of the project.

Resource and environmental performance

Aiming environmental sustainability, the project makes the best of available natural resources:

• The rainwater is harvested and utilized in toilets. Sewage water is treated so it does not further pollute rivers and can eventually be reutilized.
• The solar energy is an alternative renewable energy used to provide electricity to the complex.
• Thermal comfort is done naturally by the dissipation of heat through cross ventilation. Also, the roof protects the interior spaces from direct rays of sunlight.
• The main structure of the building is made of reforested wood, which, during growth, absorbs carbon dioxide and generates less residues during construction phase.
• The building does not touch the ground, causing a smaller impact on the existing land and vegetation.