Ecological homes visit - Tlaxcala

I’ve just had the opportunity to visit an eco-friendly homes project in the north of Puebla, in Tlaxcala. This project, called Proyecto San Isidro, has been built by a family very involved in alternative projects. The discussion we had with the architect was really enriching, because she has a strong knowledge of the Mexican eco-market. Alejandra is definitely a good advisor for the following steps in Mexico.

I was explained the building process by my friend Vincent, and the chief builder. In this case, there was an existing structure that was holding the roof, Then the straw bale are used to make the walls. This represents one week work for a 4 people-team.

After that the cob (made from earth and straw) is applied between the straw bale. The strength of the two components is more than real. This step represents two weeks work for a 4-people work. It’s as hard as stone. On the walls you can find glass rubbish recuperation, which represents a good decoration idea.

Then a mix of straw pieces and earth is applied, so that the walls become slick. One week work for a 4-people team. Then there can be a recovering material made of lime and sand. One more week for a 4-people team.

The last step for some finishings is to recover the walls with flaxseed oil to protect it from the sun, rain, insects and to make the colors more visible.

This is a grey water treatment system, that purifies the water that comes from the shower, sink, washing machine, etc. The plants absorbs the impurities (even the heavy metals) and treat the water so that it can be used to water the garden, wash the car, etc.

Such a project, for a medium house of 80 m², represents 6 months-work for a 4-people team.

Let me tell you the houses I’ve seen are really nice, inside as much as outside. These are extraordinary examples of the capacity local projects have to build both ecological and high-standing houses. The construction standards are respected, the energy savings are huge, the strength of the components is impressive, and they’re of course esthetically well inserted in their environment.

For further information feel free to visit their website http://www.proyectosanisidro.com.mx/

Enjoy the blog.

Pierre-Loïc