On the island of Trinidad, a project led by Wa Samaki Ecosystems is redefining the approach to sustainable housing construction through the use of recycled materials and natural materials such as clay, grass, plastic, and glass. These techniques aim not only to reduce the environmental impact but also to create more resilient structures against climate change.
Erle Rahaman-Noronha, founder of Wa Samaki, started his project in 1997 with the goal of rehabilitating a former monoculture plantation in Freeport. His effort transformed the 12 hectares into a biodiverse space that combines regenerative agriculture and ecological constructions. In his farm, the buildings stand out for using local materials: clay extracted from nearby soil, wood from area trees, reused glass bottles, and recycled tires that provide structural support.
This approach rescues ancestral construction methods, such as rammed earth, which combines clay, water, and grass. This is because these techniques allow utilizing available resources and promoting integration with the environment. According to Rahaman-Noronha, the goal is not only to build but to educate the community on how to live in balance with nature.
On the other hand, modern construction in Trinidad is dominated by concrete, considered a symbol of progress since the mid-20th century. However, this trend does not consider the climate adaptations that characterized traditional Caribbean homes, such as elevated structures to prevent flooding, thatched roofs, and designs that favored natural ventilation.
Sustainable Houses: A Shift towards Sustainable Construction
To achieve sustainable construction, Celine Ramjit, an eco-architect at Wa Samaki, combines creativity and functionality in her designs. The textured clay walls, reinforced with dry grass, are not only aesthetically unique but also maintain cool temperatures thanks to the material’s porosity. This approach, inspired by local traditions and adapted to current needs, offers sustainable solutions to address extreme heat and climate phenomena.
At Wa Samaki, sustainability also includes the reuse of discarded materials. Tires, plastic bottles, and advertising signs find a new life as part of artistic and functional structures. Additionally, the team uses plants like vetiver to stabilize the soil and reinforce clay constructions, demonstrating that environmentally available resources can be creatively utilized.
Waste Reutilization and Collaboration with the Environment
The project’s philosophy advocates for observing, collaborating, and respecting the environment. According to Rahaman-Noronha, “the key is to work with nature, not impose our ideas on it.” This approach not only seeks to transform the way of building but also to change the cultural perception of interacting with the land, offering a replicable model for a more balanced and sustainable development.
In a world increasingly affected by climate change, initiatives like Wa Samaki show how lessons from the past and modern advancements can come together to create a more harmonious future with the planet.
Benefits of Sustainable Houses
Sustainable constructions have numerous benefits, including:
- Reduce environmental impact: sustainable constructions minimize pollution and ecological footprint.
- Improve health and well-being: these constructions use non-toxic materials and enhance air quality.
- Save energy: they utilize renewable energy sources like solar panels and are more energy-efficient.
- Reduce operational costs: they require less maintenance and have lower operational expenses.
- Increase property value: sustainable constructions are more attractive to buyers and investors.
- Promote innovation: these constructions stimulate the use of new technologies and construction methods.
- Contribute to more resilient communities: sustainable constructions contribute to a healthier and more equitable environment.
- Improve productivity: the constructions are in contact with natural elements that reduce work-related stress.
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