In the wake of the devastating 2016 earthquake in Ecuador's Portete island, the Toquilla House project by Rama Estudio emerges as a beacon of hope and sustainability. The earthquake displaced 80 families, forcing them to abandon traditional building materials like bamboo and toquilla straw in favor of less sustainable options. However, Rama Estudio embarked on a 2.5-year journey with the community to reintroduce these renewable materials, aiming to restore their cultural heritage while addressing contemporary housing needs.
(Photo: JAG Studio)
A Return to Roots
The project's primary aim was to create three distinct bamboo housing prototypes that catered to varying family sizes, budgetary constraints, and ease of implementation. These homes' open, versatile, and adaptive design encourages comfortable living while lowering dependency on artificial cooling systems. With the help of toquilla straw and bamboo's inherent benefits, the Toquilla House project aimed to revive conventional building techniques while creating environmentally friendly housing options.
The initial prototype, CasaToquilla M, provided up to eight people with roomy accommodations designed to improve durability and withstand flooding. The community's preference for gathering outside to take advantage of the coastal breeze was reflected in the design, which gave priority to outdoor living areas. The second prototype, CasaToquilla L, had divided floor plans for improved privacy and was designed for families with elderly or disabled family members. The smallest prototype, CasaToquilla S, optimized space without compromising comfort, offering an ideal solution for smaller families.
(Photo: JAG Studio)
Community Collaboration and Sustainability
Local labor played a pivotal role in constructing these prototypes, with each home serving as a practical training exercise for the community in bamboo construction and toquilla straw weaving. Additionally, each home incorporated sewage management systems to ensure environmental sustainability. Rigorous testing and preservation techniques were employed to evaluate the durability of the materials in the humid and saline coastal environment.
(Photo: JAG Studio)
Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Construction
Innovative building methods were introduced by the Toquilla House project to address common issues with bamboo and toquilla straw. In order to minimize damage to the bamboo, reinforced cable installations were used, and stainless-steel components were used to prevent rusting. To guarantee the structures' longevity and resilience, the project experimented with beeswax finishes to shield them from UV radiation and water damage.
A Vision for the Future
TOQUILLA HOUSES represents a pioneering effort to optimize traditional construction techniques for maximum efficiency, quality, and safety. By reviving bamboo and toquilla straw construction; the project aims to make sustainable housing accessible to all. Its success has inspired replication efforts in the region, promising a brighter future for communities impacted by natural disasters.
In conclusion, the Toquilla House project is a testament to the power of community collaboration, cultural preservation, and sustainable innovation in addressing pressing housing needs. Its thoughtful design and implementation offer a blueprint for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions worldwide.
