We've decided to build as ecofriendly and sustainable as possible. Thanks to the surrounding indigenous tribes of the Amazon, we receive direct advice from the ones that traditionally built this exact way.
Mainly, our constructions will be made of bamboo (Guadúa). But we are also taking advantage of wood debris and a special kind of native palm tree (Chonta). The roof will be woven out of toquilla palm leaves (paja toquilla).
Deforestation is a global problem and the loss of primary rainforest not only in Ecuador but in the whole amazonian region and all rainforests in the world is concerning. Amazonian timber has incredible characteristics (referred to later on) even we want to take advantage of, but in a way that leaves no traces.
Building cabins of 100% natural and sustainable material, we are facing two big challenges: the climate and insects. The humidity of the rainforest favors decomposition and on top of that there is a variety of bugs living in dead tree trunks making them useless for us.
However, there are certain wood types resistant to both factors. Called "Chuncho", "Guambula", "Guayacan"and "Intachi" in the mother tongue of the natives, we hardly find the scientific names of these trees. What we have learned from our native neighbors is that they are known for their exceptional resistance to insects and humidity.
We have found big trunks of them at the river bank of the Napo River, easy recognizable due to their dark color on the outside when wet, reddish or yellowish wood color and extremely strong fiber - which makes them extremely heavy too.
Some of the trunks we have already collected will be used as the base for the cabin, digged into the earth where a bamboo pole would just rot.
However, using these wood types won't make our constructions last forever. It doesn't matter which natural material we choose for building, maintanance is the keyword to keep them lasting as long as possible. Using the right material just gives us some more time until the first rennovation.
To avoid metal, we are making nails out of wood and a palm tree named "Chonta".
It's not only a natural material solution, but a cheap one as well. Obviously, the process of making these nails takes its while, but it is defenitely worth it!
Tieing a natural fiber rope around the joints gives the construction double strength.
For all jungle lovers and adventurers regarding food: there is a worm called Chontacuro. It lives in the dead trunks of the Chonta palm and after harvesting it, it is eaten alive or grilled. It is said that the worm is rich in vitamins A and C and that it has a curative effect of asthma and cough. Anyway, I guess it takes a whole bunch of will power to eat these ugly white worms. You are very welcome to try them once you are at Home!
There is another material we named here but have not really informed you about yet - bamboo. But, we think that there must be a proper blog entry about it because there is a lot to say about this incredible, enormous grass.
So, please stay in the loop and learn together with us about what Home really is about.
We are happy to share all our information with you and please don't hesitate to reach out in case you have any questions or thoughts you would like to share!
Live and let live - protect nature - welcome Home
