Social and Cultural Project: Casa Montaña, Self-Build Homes for Tropical Rainforest Communities
This project is part of a global relocation initiative for two indigenous communities in the Panama Rainforest. The masterplans for both villages were developed, including three types of homes, a school, and a community center for each settlement. The Casa Selva, one of the three housing typologies, was designed to improve the quality of life in a community with a life expectancy of only 25 years. This self-build and self-sufficient home is tailored for tropical rainforest environments, focusing on sustainability and ease of construction.
Self-Build and Self-Sufficient Housing
The Casa Selva is based on a 2.44 × 2.44 cm modular structure, allowing for easy assembly and construction. The house is built entirely out of wood, with structural joints designed to be assembled using only nails. Despite the small wooden sections, the structure remains rigid, allowing all the components to be light and transportable, enabling manual assembly.
This home is also designed to be expandable. As the family grows, additional rooms can be easily added by extending the hallway, making the house adaptable to the evolving needs of the residents.
Split-Level Design and Elevated for Safety
Casa Selva is organized into two split levels. The lower level features the common area, connected to the kitchen and bathrooms, while the upper level houses the bedrooms. The two levels are connected by a staircase, which not only serves as a connector but also enriches the space by functioning as a seating area, adding spatial depth to the living room.
In addition, the house is elevated 1 meter off the ground to protect the living space from potential floodwaters during heavy rains and to keep the house safe from wildlife. The design also incorporates cross ventilation, with openings in the bedrooms and roof to promote airflow and keep the house cool in tropical climates.
Ecological and Sustainable Solutions
The Casa Selva is equipped with solar panels for electricity, a rainwater collection system, and a bathroom with a septic tank and sanitary drainage. These features make the house self-sufficient and environmentally friendly, in line with the sustainability goals of the global relocation project.