A breathing lab as a symbol of sustainable rainforest management

A centre where experts can engage local communities in the preservation of their national resources

A breathing lab as a symbol of sustainable rainforest management

A centre where experts can engage local communities in the preservation of their national resources

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    Global finalist entry 2015 - Arboreal Platform: Low-impact timber rainforest center

    By using vernacular techniques and standard dimensions of the entities, the assembly of the "Arboreal Platform" can be handled by the local workforce, benefiting the community.

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    Global finalist entry 2015 - Arboreal Platform: Low-impact timber rainforest center

    Outside view: The platform as guardian around the tropical forest, acting as a monitoring station of the surrounding area.

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    Global finalist entry 2015 - Arboreal Platform: Low-impact timber rainforest center

    Inside view: The inner courtyard protects a climatic garden, enclosing a variety of plant samples.

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    Global finalist entry 2015 - Arboreal Platform: Low-impact timber rainforest center

    The initial sketch shows how the "Arboreal Platform" is taking advantage of the site's topography by standing on an elevated site, providing a low cost passive and active system for the internal climate comfort of the structure.

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    Project entry 2014 Latin America – Arboreal Platform: Low-impact timber rainforest center, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

    Arboreal platform: The new headquarters building for Fundecor will be a reflection of the history, traditions and construction techniques that subtly manifest in the place. The new wooden structure is based on the logic of settlement that has been present around the site for generations.

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    Project entry 2014 Latin America – Arboreal Platform: Low-impact timber rainforest center, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

    Program organization by activity.

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    Project entry 2014 Latin America – Arboreal Platform: Low-impact timber rainforest center, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

    Detail of constructive elements.

FUNDECOR, a non-governmental outfit overseeing the sustainable development and management of Costa Rica’s rainforests since 1989, is looking to occupy a new signature headquarters in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Last updated: November 01, 2023 Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

By Mrinmayee Bhoot, Ecogradia

The concept for the 720 sqm facility from the Mexico-based firm PLUG Architecture won the Holcim Awards 2014 Silver for Latin America. Nested in a slanted wooden patch with minimal environmental impact, the building is devised as a ‘breathing lab’: a center where experts can engage local communities in the preservation of their national resources.

The four-sided structure raised on stilts is an attempt to use wood as a model of vernacular innovation. Each of the 30-m long sides supports different functional requirements.

Feature interview – Arboreal Platform: Low-impact timber rainforest center, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

In all of our projects we are careful to make buildings that breathe. In this case, the perimeter plan with many openings makes for good passive cooling. With small fans we will be able to move the air enough so that we don’t need mechanical air conditioning. Román Cordero Project Architect

The weathering heritage structures have a beauty of their own. The architects designed interesting sky bridges, pavilions, and resting platforms to view these spatial artworks formed by time and force of nature. This gesture changes the perspective. It allows appreciation of everyday heritage. The overall design aimed to bring ancient ruins back to life, revitalise the local culture and increase employment opportunities.

Preservation of cultural legacy

The simple construction means are based on local practices which ensure they’re easily implemented within a very low budget. All the wood is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), in line with national forestry management.

The center takes full advantage of being on hillside terrain. It provides a combination of passive and active systems for its internal climate comfort. Other sustainable measures include a bathroom flush system and sanitary waste which is linked to biodigesters that provide fertilizer for use in the forests.

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