In the Pumas Residence, every aspect of the design and building process was carefully considered to create a fully sustainable and eco-friendly living space. The walls are made from compacted earth, providing excellent insulation and a comfortable interior climate. The green roof acts as additional insulation, reducing the heat load on the building. The overall design of the home complements and enhances the surrounding natural environment. This unique and environmentally conscious project is a dream come true for the family who will reside there.

 

Task

The dream of a family house to be an example of sustainability. The project must be innovative in terms of selected materials as well as in its organic form. The program should include 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full spa area, full kitchen and a game room.

  • Strategy

    2020

  • Design

    M. Usher, R. Portillo, F. Mena, R. Lopez

  • Client

    Private

Earth Buildings Are Used by 30% of Worlds Population.

In this building, our design was inspired by the natural erosion of the site. The building blends seamlessly with its surroundings, creating a harmonious relationship with the environment without compromising living comfort. In fact, approximately 30% of the world’s population lives in buildings made of earth, showcasing their durability and sustainability. The curves featured in the design take part of a larger structural approach of giving stiffness and stability to the building.

In using rammed earth for construction, not only is the indoor climate usually well controlled and well balanced, but it also offers the potential to use earth from the own property. This reduces costs for material and transportation, however depending on technique often increases pricing overall especially using the compacted wall method.

The green roof not only adds aesthetic value to a building, it also helps to reduce the heatload on the building by providing insulation and absorbing excess heat. This can result in lowered energy costs for the building and a more comfortable indoor environment.

Rammed earth is an ancient technique, in which building materials are made up of earth, gravel, or sand that is compressed by hand or with a machine. But there may be variations in the composition to create the dirt blocks.

Rammed earth construction offers a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient building material. Offers us an ecologically responsible alternative to conventional building materials in construction

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We’re a team of creatives who are excited about unique ideas. A husband and wife with international experience from Europe and Asia bringing high-quality construction to Costa Rica. We are focusing on improving local building practices and re-shaping tropical architecture through high quality construction.