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A house with history and powerful meaning

Gunter Pauli’s initial inspiration

The Global ZERI Network participated in the World Expo in Germany in 2000, designing and building a bamboo structure that has become the landmark in sustainable architecture. The ZERI pavilion was designed by Simon Velez, one of Colombia’s best known architects.

The Pavillion underwent a series of scientific tests in collaboration with several academic institutions: University of Braunschwieg, University of Stuttgart, and Science University of Bremen. The building was first built in Colombia, then in Hannover and received 6.4 million visitors during the 5 months of the Expo.

ZERI embarked on the construction of this magnificent building in a major effort to change the image of bamboo locally and internationally.  Most of the estimated one billion people who use this readily available building material consider it to be a symbol of poverty. The intention of this project was to create a unique structure that would instill pride in and stimulate the use of this abundant, fast-growing construction material. After its remarkable presence at the World Expo in Germany, the pavilion was reconstructed in Manizales, Colombia where it now serves as a symbol of pride for the surrounding coffee farmers. Next for Gunter Pauli, was the construction of La Miñoca using locally available materials to show that beauty and comfort can also be part of affordable housing projects.

A little bit more history…. La Miñoca I and La Miñoca II

La Miñoca ILa Miñoca II

Picture courtesy of Carolina Salazar – Architect.

With the development of an experimental farm in the Coffee Region of Colombia, ZERI wanted to show various technologies, processes and systems consistent with sustainable development. Consistent with the philosophy of the Blue Economy these technologies use what nature makes locally available to meet basic needs: food, water, health, housing, energy, labor and education.

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To start this project, a first house of small dimensions was built from October 2013 through January 2014.

Picture courtesy of Carolina Salazar – Architect.

After the successful completion of La Minoca I, the larger main house was built in 2005, La Minoca II.

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The materials used to build the house do not affect the health of people. The use of chemicals was minimized in the construction of the house. No PVC or asbestos are used. Designing comfortable large and cozy spaces is possible while respecting nature and protecting our health.