ADOBE CONSTRUCTION (ECOLOGICAL BATHROOMS)
Superadobe is an innovative bioconstruction technique that uses long fabric tubes or bags filled with compacted soil in layers to form robust and durable compression structures. The main raw material used is moist earth, which makes the construction process simple and affordable. This technology is particularly advantageous for the construction of toilets in hard-to-reach and isolated areas, providing a cost-effective solution for basic sanitation.
PROBLEM SOLVED
Few traditional communities in Brazil have universal access to toilets or adequate basic sanitation. The situation is especially critical in indigenous villages, where the lack of basic sanitation infrastructure is a predominant reality. This lack has been identified by the communities of the Traditional Communities Forum (FCT) as one of the main vulnerabilities that need to be strategically addressed. The implementation of basic sanitation solutions is essential not only to promote health and quality of life, but also to ensure the permanence and sustainability of traditional communities in their territories.
SOLUTION ADOPTED
The ecological sanitation project carried out at Praia do Sono, in Paraty, implemented a bathroom model built using the superadobe technique, integrated with an ecological sanitation system using evapotranspiration. This technology is accessible and affordable, and can be built by collective efforts, which enables the traditional population to reproduce the technology independently.
The initial project was conceived based on the ecology of knowledge, by a team composed of technicians from Fiocruz, Funasa and members of the Traditional Communities Forum. The development of the project resulted from the interaction between sanitation engineering and permaculture, allowing a positive association between theory and scientific and traditional practices. This process considered the perceptions of the community members involved and the vision of the technicians, with a focus on the autonomy of the local population. The training and involvement of all local stakeholders were essential to disseminate a replicable technology.
Superadobe is one of the simplest construction techniques, as it does not require specialized labor, making it an excellent option for communities with limited access and resources. The construction uses polypropylene bags filled with moistened and compacted soil, which are stacked vertically to shape the walls and roof. A distinctive feature of superadobe is the sinuous design of its walls, allowing for customized designs for each construction.
The bathroom that was built has superadobe walls, a burnt cement floor, wooden doors and a waterproof roof. It is connected to an evapotranspiration system, an efficient ecological sanitation method. The construction of the bathroom promoted greater family interaction and collaboration throughout the entire process. All the material for the bathroom roof was provided by the family itself, which closely monitored the construction process.
The bioconstruction with superadobe was incorporated into other construction methods used in the territory, being used to build sanitary facilities, install pipes and even build bar stools. This integration of the technique was based on "praxis", a practice based on reflection and the exchange of knowledge.
RESULT ACHIEVED
The construction of ecological toilets using the superadobe technique has proven to be a socially relevant, efficient and economical practice. This approach not only offers viable solutions to housing and sanitation challenges, but also contributes significantly to the construction of citizenship. Through the collective work system, the integration of community members who will share the constructed space is promoted, encouraging collective work and strengthening community ties.
These construction techniques encourage collaborative work, stimulating the self-esteem of the community involved. By actively participating in the construction process, residents develop a sense of belonging and responsibility for the space, which consolidates local identity. Furthermore, the use of accessible materials and simple methods makes the technology replicable, allowing other communities to adopt similar practices to improve their living conditions.