Guayaquil

In March 2010 Sr. Theresa went to Ecuador (South America) along with a member from USA, Mariuxi Mazzini, were they were able to gather a group of indigenes to build on the work with the poor that was initiated.

The group has triple in size and they are feeding, working with aged and children in the city of Guayaquil.

  • Education – Scholarship
  • Feeding
  • Aged
  • Shelter
  • Prayer
  • Fund Raising
  • Business Funding
 

Pro Labore Dei Ecuador for a few years now having been building homes for those in need.

First set of houses by PLD was made in this form but they only last about 5 years before needing repairs. The bamboo current practice model included a construction above ground (house on stilts), bamboo structure, zinc metal roof, bamboo walls, unsanitary latrine, small and few openings that restricted ventilation.

We then moved to brick houses. These masonry current practice embraced a zinc metal roof, unsanitary latrine, small and few openings, but with a slab on grade and concrete blocks walls.

                 

One of PLD Ecuador Youth did his master architecture in USA a few years ago. For his thesis that he won the top prize for he came up with a new design, which we have been waiting to build first prototype once land and funds were available. This is an improved version of both construction methods with considered sustainable features included such as: 

  • Light color walls; to keep house cooler (it is a very hot country).
  • High canopy trees in the surrounding: to trap wind for ventilation.
  • Wood louvered elements and extended overhangs: for improved ventilation.
  • Breeze blocks and mosquito meshes in upper openings
  • Orchard in the backyard
  • Rainwater storage tanks
  • Grey water recycling system, which collects soapy water in a bucket, passes it through a 50-gallon jugs filled with wood chips. This bio filter separates food bits and oils from soapy water. Then, this cleaner water is passed through a chamber that is planted with wetland plants. These plants absorb nitrogen and phosphorus and use it as nutrients. Finally the overflow from this process can be used to water fruit trees in the backyard.
  • The Eco-toilet which basically functions in the following way:
    • Accumulation of excreta and sawdust under the seat generates an anaerobic decomposition.
    • Optional decomposition. As the material is moved through the action of the pedal, it is mixed and aerated. This produces aerobic decomposition in the upper part and anaerobic decomposition in the lower part.
    • Transfer and harvesting phase. The material has finally changed into compost rich in nutrients and ready to be harvested.

The original design also included solar panels for energy but was not been implemented in due to the extra cost it would have incurred.

 

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