Valentino Gareri Atelier creates Cacao Eco Village with 3D-printed buildings

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Valentino Gareri Atelier has unveiled renderings of the Cacao Eco Village in Ecuador, a unique project designed for local cacao farmers. The village will feature 3D-printed buildings made from recycled cacao waste, specifically cacao shell waste biofilaments. Along with geometric modules made of these biofilaments, the architecture will incorporate local materials such as bamboo and wood. The village aims to be self-sufficient, with integrated rainwater collection systems and other sustainable features. Additionally, the community will include a cacao-processing chocolate factory, an educational and research center, and co-working and co-living spaces. With its emphasis on sustainability and innovation, the Cacao Eco Village is set to become a prominent tourist destination, complete with cycle paths and charging stations for electric cars.

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Cacao Eco Village Design

Introduction to Cacao Eco Village

Cacao Eco Village is an innovative and sustainable development project located on the coast of Ecuador’s Manabi province. The village is designed specifically for cacao farmers who live and work in the region, producing chocolate through the extraction of cocoa butter and solids from cacao beans. The project aims to provide a self-sufficient and environmentally friendly community that integrates local materials and 3D-printed structures made from recycled cacao waste.

Valentino Gareri Atelier’s Involvement

Valentino Gareri Atelier, a renowned architecture firm with offices in New York and Sydney, is responsible for the design of Cacao Eco Village. The project is being developed in collaboration with Ecuadorian chocolate manufacturer Muze and nonprofit organization Avanti. Valentino Gareri Atelier’s design for the village incorporates the use of 3D-printed buildings made from cacao shell waste biofilaments, which are leftover from chocolate production. The firm’s expertise in sustainable and innovative design solutions ensures that Cacao Eco Village will be a unique and environmentally conscious development.

Designing the Modules

Cacao Eco Village will consist of various site configurations of three different-shaped modules. These modules will be constructed using 3D printing technology and will utilize cacao shell waste biofilaments as the primary building material. The geometric form of the modules is not only aesthetically pleasing but also allows for efficient use of space. In addition to 3D-printed structures, the modules will incorporate other local materials such as bamboo and wood, enhancing the village’s connection to its natural surroundings.

Integration of Local Materials

To create a harmonious blend with the local environment, Valentino Gareri Atelier has incorporated various local materials into the design of Cacao Eco Village. This integration serves to promote sustainability and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. The village’s facades draw inspiration from the vibrant colors of Ecuadorian houses and the colorful fruits of cacao trees. By using locally sourced materials, the project contributes to the local economy and reduces the environmental impact of transporting materials over long distances.

Sustainable Features

Self-Sufficiency and Rainwater Collection

One of the key sustainable features of Cacao Eco Village is its self-sufficiency in water through the collection of rainwater. The modules’ roofs will be equipped with decorative water tanks that will collect rainwater, reducing the village’s reliance on external water sources. This sustainable water management system ensures that the village can operate independently while minimizing water waste.

Cycling and Pedestrian Infrastructure

Cacao Eco Village promotes sustainable transportation through its extensive cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. The village will feature a large network of cycle paths and pedestrianized boulevards, encouraging residents and visitors to use bicycles or walk to access the village’s amenities and facilities. This emphasis on active transportation not only reduces carbon emissions but also promotes a healthy and vibrant community.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Cacao Eco Village will provide electric vehicle charging stations throughout the community. This infrastructure encourages the use of electric vehicles and supports the transition to a cleaner and more efficient transportation system. By providing charging stations, Cacao Eco Village aims to reduce the reliance on traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles and contribute to the reduction of air pollution.

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Facilities and Amenities

Cacao-Processing Chocolate Factory

Central to the concept of Cacao Eco Village is the inclusion of a cacao-processing chocolate factory. This facility will allow farmers to process their cacao beans directly on-site, reducing the need for transportation and intermediaries in the chocolate production process. By integrating the chocolate factory within the village, Cacao Eco Village creates a symbiotic relationship between the farmers and the manufacturing process, promoting efficiency and fostering economic growth.

Educational and Research Centre

An educational and research center will be another integral component of Cacao Eco Village. This facility will provide learning opportunities for both residents and visitors, offering workshops, seminars, and courses on various topics related to sustainable agriculture, cacao production, and environmental conservation. The research center will also facilitate the development of innovative farming techniques and technologies, further enhancing the sustainability and productivity of the village.

Co-Working and Co-Living Spaces

Cacao Eco Village will include co-working and co-living spaces designed to foster collaboration and community engagement. These spaces will provide a platform for residents and visitors to connect, share ideas, and develop business opportunities. By creating a vibrant and dynamic environment, Cacao Eco Village promotes a sense of belonging and encourages a sustainable and inclusive community.

Environmental and Social Impact

Circular Economy Model

Cacao Eco Village adopts a circular economy model as a creative solution to address the environmental and social impact of the cacao industry. By utilizing recycled cacao waste biofilaments in the construction of the 3D-printed modules, the village reduces waste and promotes the reuse of materials. This circular approach minimizes the environmental footprint of the chocolate production process while also fostering economic growth and resource efficiency.

Reducing Environmental Footprint

The design of Cacao Eco Village prioritizes sustainability and aims to reduce its environmental footprint. Through the use of locally sourced materials, rainwater collection systems, and sustainable transportation infrastructure, the village minimizes its impact on the environment. By implementing these sustainable features, Cacao Eco Village serves as a model for future developments, demonstrating the feasibility of creating environmentally conscious communities.

Increasing Income and Resource Dependency

Cacao Eco Village offers opportunities for increased income and reduced resource dependency for local farmers. By integrating a cacao-processing chocolate factory within the village, farmers can add value to their cacao production and generate additional income by processing the beans themselves. This economic empowerment strengthens the local economy and reduces the reliance on external resources, creating a more sustainable and resilient community.

Minimizing Waste

Through the use of 3D printing technology and the incorporation of recycled cacao waste biofilaments, Cacao Eco Village minimizes waste generation. The innovative construction methods reduce the need for traditional building materials, such as concrete and steel, and repurpose a byproduct of the cacao industry. By minimizing waste, the village contributes to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Comparison with Other 3D-Printed Communities

ICON and Lennar’s Neighborhood in Texas

Cacao Eco Village distinguishes itself from other 3D-printed communities, such as the neighborhood in Texas developed by ICON and Lennar. While both projects utilize 3D printing technology, Cacao Eco Village focuses on addressing the specific needs and challenges of cacao farmers in Ecuador. The integration of local materials and the emphasis on sustainable agriculture set Cacao Eco Village apart, making it a specialized and tailored solution for the local community.

Conclusion

Valentino Gareri Atelier’s vision for Cacao Eco Village showcases the potential of sustainable and innovative design in creating communities that prioritize environmental and social impact. By utilizing 3D printing technology, integrating local materials, and promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable practices, Cacao Eco Village serves as a blueprint for future developments. This project demonstrates how architecture and design can contribute to the creation of thriving and sustainable communities while preserving and celebrating local culture and resources. Cacao Eco Village is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in shaping a brighter future.

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