Building with Nature in Mind. As part of our Sustainability Plan, our partnership with the Capacha Center provides an opportunity to demonstrate alternative building methods that showcase affordable, environmentally beneficial structures for use in the region’s growing hospitality industry and for single family housing construction in rural communities. Tierralegre partners with Capacha Center to design buildings that feature sustainable bamboo construction and renewable materials. On Playa Grande, our beach bungalows, restaurant, and glamping structures utilize an integrated design and build process that incorporates innovative use of locally sources materials. Low density housing and facilities on the Center’s upland ranch also feature on site harvested bamboo and palm wood and incorporates permaculture best practices. Here bamboo architecture demonstrates a multitude of environmental co-benefits, e.g. the design & materials allow improved air flow and more efficient cooling and are structurally robust and resilient to hurricanes and earthquakes due to the material’s inherent flexibility. Also notable is bamboo’s role in mitigating climate change as a carbon sink in biomass form, as carbon storage in bamboo products, and as a contributor for offsetting industry impacts through mitigation banking and carbon credits.

Workforce Development. To support sustainable planning in the region, Tierralegre partners with the Capacha Center to offer workforce development workshops, utilizing our demonstration structures as sites for learning for phased construction approaches. These semi-annual trainings encourage local contractors to design and plan new construction that feature durable, inexpensive bamboo and renewable materials for affordable homes in a region with few economic resources. Participants gain valuable skills and experience during 4-day, hands-on, fully immersive trainings. These courses offer experience with building concepts, tools, and honest hard work. Workshops encourage inclusive diversity and we welcome local, national and international participants to apply. Scholarships are available for low income students.

Jörg Stramm, Project Planner, brings traditional German carpentry and wood technology expertise and is a preeminent bamboo craftsman consulting during these workshops. Residing in Colombia, Jorg works internationally and is recognized for his design and construction of structurally expansive bamboo bridges and planned eco-communities. His recent projects include Green Village Bali and Mexico’s Playa Viva. www.jorgstamm.com