Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
Strategies to minimize embodied carbon (carbon footprint of materials) include:
- Local Sourcing: Local sourcing of materials and workforce.
- Reduced Mass: Minimizing excavation and structural mass. The structure is described as a light and horizontal veranda.
- Certified Wood: Using certified tropical wood (pinus) for decks, pergolas, and shading elements, chosen for its local origin, renewability, and natural aging capacity.
- Efficient Foundations: Reinforced concrete adapted to natural terrain and collaboration with engineers ensured efficient foundations and low-waste construction methods.
Operational Emissions / Energy
Strategies to minimize operational carbon (energy use) involve passive design principles that eliminate the need for mechanical systems:
- Natural Cooling: Relying on cross-ventilation and generous roof overhangs for natural cooling and protection from sun and rain.
- Natural Lighting: Optimized natural lighting through shaded openings and reflective pools that modulate brightness and temperature.
- Thermal Regulation: A green roof acts as thermal insulation, contributes to rainwater absorption, and increases biodiversity.
- Reduced Heat Island Effect: Native vegetation and permeable outdoor surfaces reduce runoff and the heat island effect.
Service and maintenance emissions
Strategies related to service life and maintenance include:
- Durability and Longevity: The design combines regional techniques and natural materials with precision detailing to achieve durability and environmental sensitivity in a marine climate.
- Long-lasting Finishes: Interiors use simple, long-lasting natural finishes.
- Natural Aging: Certified tropical wood was chosen for its capacity to age naturally.
Afterlife
The building’s open veranda plan and modular wooden elements were conceived to allow future reprogramming (restaurant, events, leisure) with minimal intervention. Pre-designed ease of connection and minimal permanent foundations enable a reversible approach.
The project specifically calls out deconstructable decks, pergolas, and shading systems, plus a minimal foundation strategy that would allow site restoration or reuse of materials. Native planting and a roof garden further support on-site circularity (biomass/soil carbon capture).
Key products in low carbon design
