Thank you so much for talking with us! Please introduce yourself to our readers
I'm Rafael Loschiavo Miranda, an architect passionate about the culture of sustainability.
In 2007 I took a master's degree in bioclimatic architecture in Barcelona and since then I have returned my life to discover the countless possibilities of integrating nature into our daily lives.
During that time I created and shaped my own profession and today, I have my office, Ecoeficientes, where I work with architectural projects, consultancies, content production, market relations and education.
What inspired you to create this structure?
In this moment of transition that we are experiencing, many people are looking for a more integrated life with nature and me too. The idea of building this hut is, in addition to enabling my own contact with nature, inspiring others to set up their own minimalist hut and building their paths in harmony with nature.
In these years of research and relationship, I have known a lot of interesting things, which bring several benefits, and without great costs. The biggest effort is the breaking of modern traditions and understanding. Unfortunately people in general still do not know these solutions. The idea is that in the space where the hut is located, which we call the ecoperi (because it is located on the edge of the Lagoa do Peri Natural Monument in Florianópolis - SC), get involved with the world as a place to gather solutions, people who work with solutions, and people interested in solutions. Just as we already do in our space in São Paulo ecoBeco and virtually on our website www.ecoeficiente.com.br
Eco living is crucial to your design, what lifestyle and experiences do you envisage the habitant to have in such a place?
At ecoperi we are in an environment with a high connection with nature, which has a beach, mountain, lagoon, springs, centenary trees and native fauna and flora. And being in contact with nature allows several transformations in our behavior.
There are several points that are observed that we normally do not have in urban centers, and the lack of them takes us away from the natural and promotes anxiety, lack of connection and stress. They also cause the current lack of environmental awareness.
When in the midst of nature, we realize:
The constant transformation of life
Species are interdependent and collaborative
Time is not always chronological and it comes in timely cycles.
The strength of the sun and the natural energy of plants
The external natural cycles that reverberate internally in our body
The Whole with respect and veneration
The Vital Energy
The impacts of our lifestyle
In addition to the natural benefits of ecoperi location, we will also integrate the 6 categories of Eco-Efficient Solutions: Use of Rainwater, Use of Natural and Recycled Materials, Bioclimatic Integration, Waste Treatment, Energy Generation and Productive Landscaping.
All of this provides an intelligent, healthy, comfortable, economical, independent lifestyle with greater integration and respect for the environment.
There are many transformative benefits that words cannot explain. For this reason also the creation of a space where the visitor can live this experience, record in his memory and replicate in other places.
It seems often when considering ‘eco friendly materials’ there are a number of trade offs, be that longevity, time and energy to produce, it can invariably mean the best material for the job is not necessarily the greenest. What determined your material choice for this construction?
Great question! In my understanding, the term “ecologically correct” is just a new name for what has always been called good Architecture.
The choice of material, and architecture as a whole, is due to the union of a series of factors, in fact it is the union of all possible and imaginary factors because it really has multiple functions, relationships with everyone. Here are some of them:
The budget
Bioclimatic integration
The activities that will be developed
The consumption of natural resources
Support for the local community
The strength and durability
Autonomy in the construction process
Maintenance facilities
Aesthetic characteristics
Relationship with the surroundings.
Human relations.
Availability on site.
I would like to emphasize that: There is no “villain” material, all material can and should be used according to its characteristics.
And that our transition to a “sustainable” model of society will not be 100% initially, it is a long way. What we must do is as much as we can at the moment, and seek the maximum positive aspects among the factors listed above.
I understand that each eco-efficient aspect implanted has its importance, it serves as a reference, serving as a threshold for other future transitions. When we feel the benefits of walking we are motivated to continue. That is why we work today on the path and not on the destination.
You have said you hope the ecoperi will serve as an exhibit to promote sustainability, I suppose the hope is to widen collaboration and make the space a basis for researching new techniques and ideas?
Yes! The transformation process of world society is accelerating, integrating technology and with sustainable knowledge being disseminated voluntarily throughout the world. There is a large collaborative network that continues to grow and that increasingly brings more warriors to work in breaking down barriers in their places.
The possibilities of our project are endless, as the transformation of today's society to a sustainable one includes many areas of research and action. We are observing the possibilities that emerge along our path.
Initially we want to help give space and voice to the incredible solutions we already know, and from this relationship we can create larger collaborative organizations that help bring solutions for the transition.
The solutions for a sustainable society already exist, we just need to use them.
I note that the big problem today is the lack of knowledge and experience of these solutions by the general public. That is why it becomes the most important thing at the moment, to work with Education, Communicating about what already exists and thus creating bridges to encourage implementation
