EDUCATION CENTRE, AGUADA PUERTO RICO
On September 20th, 2017 Hurricane Maria brought the Caribbean’s worst recorded natural disaster to the island of Puerto Rico. In a matter of hours people across the island were left without power, water and safe shelter. Within months, we located property owned by local family who were willing to launch an example of architecture appropriate to a place where hurricanes and earthquakes have become the norm. The design consisted of five round rooms with masonry domes and walls of pounded tires insulated with mounds of crushed single use plastics. Stand alone mechanical systems were integrated to eliminate dependence on unreliable island infrastructure. Over the course of ten phases and five years this dream came to fruition. The project was funded by hundreds of small donations and hundreds of off-island volunteers who made a donation of time and money to participate in the build. We would raise the funds for a two week intensive effort and work with a team of thirty people. After spending every penny, we would leave and start the process again. With focused commitment and follow up a magical example of self reliance was completed.
A round design lends to flexible building movement during an earthquake as well as allowing high winds to move over and around the build.
Design by Michael Reynolds
Through this process we slowly built trust and respect within the community. Locals were welcome free of charge to participate in the hands on education of self reliance. The space became a center for education almost immediately with the owners of the farm hosting tours for locals every Saturday. The build was completed in 2022 and now functions daily as an educational center . The space will also serve as a relief center in the inevitable event of future hurricanes and earthquakes. Construction of the center was a collaboration with Tainosoy Apiario, Biotecture Planet Earth and Earthship Biotecture. It was organized and lead by the founders of ECOHAB working with and interfacing all three organizations.
Phil leading post work day questions and answers
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Pairing theoretical learning with hands on experience forms the academic backbone of ECOHAB. Students and volunteers are constantly learning throughout each project with a special emphasis put on learn it/do it. In the field examples, lectures and hands on experience allow everyone to live the theory and practice what they are learning.
Classroom in the field - Lou teaching about waste water management
WASTE WATER SYSTEM
Un-treated waste water is a big problem in Puerto Rico and the world. Most waste water on this small but highly populated island flows into local streams and the ocean in its raw state. This practice contaminates drinking water, spreads disease and negatively impacts the natural ecosystems. To counter this we separate water into Grey water and Black water. Black water comes from the toilet. Grey water from all other uses. The waste water flows into lined and contained planter beds. These beds are primarily filled with gravel and then planted with a huge variety of plants. Between the transpiration of water into the plants and the evaporation of water into the air we are left with a self contained system and zero discharge into the local waterways and ground. Waste water is handled in a responsible manner onsite and even produces food.
Onsite water filtration and pressurization system.
TESTIMONIAL
‘Working with Phil to build an Earthship was an amazing experience that left a positive impact on both the Island of Puerto Rico and my family. Phil's passion for sustainable living was contagious, and he made a huge difference by sharing his expertise with the local community and promoting environmentally-friendly practices.
One of the most impressive things about working with Phil was his ability to build trust and commitment among the people he worked with. From the very beginning, he was approachable, patient, and genuinely interested in hearing our ideas and concerns. He took the time to explain every step of the building process, and he was always available to answer questions or offer guidance. Over time, Phil's commitment to the project and his passion for sustainability became contagious, and he inspired us to work harder and achieve our goals.
Thanks to Phil's leadership, we were able to build an Earthship that not only met our needs but also reflected our shared values of sustainability, self-reliance, and community. He was always willing to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty alongside us, leading by example and earning our respect and admiration. Working with Phil was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impact on all of us, and we are incredibly grateful for his leadership, guidance, and friendship.’ - Carlos Chaparro, TainaSoy Apiario Founder
Local school children present a project on the cyclical building systems they have learned about from visiting the centre.
Local school children visiting the centre.
POST PROJECT SUPPORT
Throughout our efforts we have learned, among many other things, that follow up is key to the ongoing success of our projects. In Puerto Rico, for example, we created an amazing space for the community. But the finances were simply not in place to keep the building maintained, staffed and open for visitors. We initiated a financial plan where locals and tourists could come and stay in two of the rooms while supporting the other three spaces for daily education and visitation. Our team set this up and then several volunteers stayed for months to get it running smoothly. Now the space is open everyday and locals are getting paid to educate the visitors. It is no longer a burden to the family that runs it. Rather it is an asset that has become financially autonomous and a true center for the community.