Sustainability Report

The project incorporates several strategies aimed at reducing embodied carbon:

1. Engineered Timber Structural Systems

• Use of Nailed Laminated Timber (NLT) slabs and glued laminated timber beams significantly reduces embodied carbon compared to reinforced concrete or steel structural alternatives.

• Timber acts as a carbon storage medium during its service life.

2. Prefabrication and Industrialized Construction

• Off-site production of structural timber components improves material optimization and reduces construction waste.

• Prefabrication minimizes on-site energy consumption and reduces transportation inefficiencies.

3. Lightweight Structural Enclosure

• Light Steel Framing (LSF) walls reduce overall structural mass and material consumption while maintaining recyclability.

4. Reclaimed and Durable Materials

• Use of reclaimed peroba rosa wood reduces demand for newly harvested hardwood.

• Shou Sugi Ban charred wood cladding extends façade lifespan without chemical preservatives, lowering replacement frequency.

5. Site Preservation as Carbon Strategy

• Retention of over 70% native forest preserves existing carbon sequestration capacity and avoids emissions associated with land clearing.

1. Forest-Based Microclimate Control

• Preservation of dense native vegetation provides shading, evapotranspiration cooling, and wind filtration.

• This significantly stabilizes indoor temperatures and reduces mechanical cooling demand.

2. Elevated Pavilion Design

• The raised structure enhances airflow beneath the building and supports passive cooling.

3. Cross Ventilation and Open Spatial Planning

• Open veranda-style living areas allow continuous air movement and daylight penetration.

• Bedrooms directly connected to shared spaces increase natural ventilation efficiency.

4. Reduced Mechanical Cooling Demand

• The building achieves thermal comfort conditions throughout most of the year without reliance on air conditioning.

The project reduces maintenance-related emissions through:

• Carbonized Pine Cladding (shou sugi ban)

  • Increased resistance to weathering, insects, and fire

  • Eliminates need for chemical sealants or frequent replacement

• Polished Concrete Flooring

  • High durability and minimal finishing replacement cycles

• Natural Stone Pool Cladding (Brazilian Limestone)

  • Long lifecycle exterior material with low maintenance demand

• Exposed Structural Materials

  • Reduces additional finishing layers and associated maintenance emissions