VERTEBRAL’s design and construction of El Terreno - a flexible, multipurpose pavilion - reflects the architects’ vision of the future of architecture

VERTEBRAL’s design and construction of El Terreno

El Terreno is a community garden and educational center project that was initiated during the Covid-19 outbreak. It is located on a hill of rich soil, minerals, and stones and was developed as a model of how education, sustainability, and design can come together to harvest a bright future. The project provides a connection to the cycles of food production and sustainable living.

To be consistent with the project, VERTEBRAL constructed a unique pavilion from recycled materials used in their previous constructions. It was important for the firm to successfully build a 100% recyclable building, but also a space built using materials, modules, and units uniquely thought-out through new processes.

VERTEBRAL’s design and construction of El Terreno

The multipurpose pavilion is built into the hillside, allowing for a gradual aperture towards the garden. Sections of iron rods were bent and welded and contained in walls filled with stone acquired through excavation of the site. The roof is composed of wooden trusses that were once concrete formwork. Through only four different modules, all the trusses were assembled by volunteers from the local community.

Rainwater is captured with a system originating on the green roof of the pavilion, which then passes through pipes that also serve as structural columns. Finally, the rainwater descends into a cumulative body of water, from where it is pumped back into the orchard. Energy consumption is generated by solar panels, and waste from composting toilets is used as a natural fertilizer for the garden.

VERTEBRAL’s design and construction of El Terreno

El Terreno has become an economically self-sustained garden through plant and vegetable sales, cultivated through educational programs and then sold to local cafes and stores.

Photo credit: Ricardo de la Concha
Source: V2.com