Bioconstruction
Construction in Harmony with Nature
“Bioconstruction” refers to a broad category of alternative building techniques which utilize local and natural materials to create resilient structures. This approach to construction empowers us with the knowledge to build affordable, safe housing that is creatively designed, environmentally responsible, and can withstand the unique challenges of the tropical climate.
Puerto Rico is particularly vulnerable to the effects of global climate change, especially stronger and more frequent hurricanes. These risks, compounded by the consequences of conventional modern building practices in Puerto Rico, mean our communities need solutions for housing insecurity.
The Housing Crisis in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is in a long-term housing crisis. Economic challenges, socio-political conflicts, lack of land ownership, and the aftermaths of hurricanes and earthquakes have resulted in:
2,535
people experiencing homelessness
4,994
people displaced by earthquakes
2,599
homes still under re-construction after Hurricane María in 2017
Photo credit: ep_jhu
Bioconstruction–especially SuperAdobe–is a creative and accessible solution to this crisis in Puerto Rico.
SuperAdobe Is….
A style of construction utilizing earthen materials developed by the architect and founder of Cal-Earth, Nader Khalili. SuperAdobe structures typically utilize dome and vault architecture as their principal design features.
Why we focus on SuperAdobe:
SuperAdobe structures are environmentally responsible , economically accessible, and able to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes.
The design of SuperAdobe structures also provide insulation from the heat, using significantly less energy for cooling than conventional structures, and in turn reducing the carbon footprint of those who use the space.
How they are made:
Superadobe structures are simple in design and building process, using shovels, water, cement, and “earthbags.” These earthbags are packed with local soil and other basic materials, then stacked upon each other with two strands of barbed wire placed between each layer.
This is only possible when we build in community:
If 12 people gave $100, it would provide a scholarship for one future SuperAdobe builder
If 15 people gave $500, it would provide a living wage for our team members to complete one SuperAdobe construction project
If 10 people gave $1000, it would provide materials for one SuperAdobe “tiny house”
Our Impact
For more than a decade, Plenitud PR has been a pioneer in bioconstruction and the teaching of the SuperAdobe technique in Puerto Rico. We have:
8
Built 8 SuperAdobe structures in Las Marías, Arecibo and Maunabo
300
Trained more than 300 builders from Puerto Rico and other parts of the world
23
Offered 23 mentorships in Bioconstruction
Certification
Facilitating the certification of building plans for a SuperAdobe Emergency Housing Dome, for public access.
Permitting
Facilitating construction permits for a SuperAdobe structure with vaulted ceilings; the first in Puerto Rico!
Homes made of sandbags, barbed wire could offer cheaper, safer shelter as climate crisis worsens
USA TODAY | DECEMBER 2, 2020
Thousands of people in Puerto Rico are still living under blue tarps three years after Hurricane Maria struck the island, and more than 30,000 families have asked the government for assistance after the storm destroyed or damaged their homes, with not everyone eligible to receive help. (read more)
Learn More
Read about Bioconstruction on our blog.
Thank you to our partners!
