Project Overview
Located in Nova Vida, a small community in Bom Jesus das Selvas, Maranhão, Brazil, the Castanhas de Caju Extension project focuses on refurbishing and expanding a modest house to serve as the headquarters for a newly formed coconut producers cooperative. This space also acts as a communal meeting point. Developed in collaboration with the community, the design respects traditional construction methods and materials, integrating low-cost passive thermal control strategies like perforated bricks and ‘brise-soleil’ pivot doors, which are particularly suited for tropical climates.
Sustainable and Practical Design
Given the project’s tight budget and deadlines, maximizing the reuse of the existing structure and employing a limited material palette were essential. The use of ceramic bricks and traditional bricklaying techniques was pivotal. Community members Eliane, Francisca, Maria, Rita, Leudiane, Solange, and Nacely provided crucial insights into cooperative workflows, influencing the spatial distribution strategy.
Creating Public Spaces
The scarcity of public spaces in Nova Vida inspired the inclusion of a sunroom and a concrete bench on the facade, creating informal areas for community gatherings. The internal courtyard, situated between the coconut cooking and breaking zones, serves as both a meeting space and a sun-drying area. The courtyard’s enclosing walls, constructed from horizontally laid hollow ceramic bricks, facilitate cross-ventilation, natural light, and views.
Integrating Permaculture Principles
Given the region’s lack of sewage systems and consistent potable water supply, permaculture principles were integral to the design. The building incorporates rainwater collection to aid farmers during the dry season, a septic tank biodigester for sewage treatment, and a banana circle to filter greywater. These systems necessitate regular maintenance, fostering community awareness of resource management. Direct engagement with these economical techniques allows for their broader adoption and recycling within the community.
Broader Impact and Social Justice
This project is part of a larger initiative aimed at renovating facilities for small cooperatives and associations in Maranhão and Pará, in northern and northeastern Brazil. In a country characterized by vast diversity and cultural richness, the Castanhas de Caju Extension represents a step towards social justice, ensuring job security and improving the daily lives of a group of women. The opportunity to work with small-scale food producers who respect the environment underscores the project’s significance. The women’s group, previously operating from a rented space, now benefits from a headquarters tailored to their needs, built swiftly to mitigate logistical and construction costs in this remote region. This project embodies a challenging yet rewarding learning process, deeply influencing Estudio Flume’s architectural approach.
