TETO Brasil builds the first Eco-Sustainable Semente House in a favela that housed a former landfill
This house is the pilot of what will be the most sustainable version of the Semente House, an award-winning project by TETO Brasil launched at the beginning of this year. Sementes Houses are designed to serve families in situations of hypervulnerability, replacing shacks made of canvas and wood with a 27 m² shelter, which, in addition to doors and windows – these in partnership with Esquadrisul -, offers space for three rooms, including a bathroom , hydraulic installation and electrical installation.
"Providing a sustainable housing solution that offers comfort and safety to Brazilians in vulnerable situations is an initiative we are proud to support, as it aligns with the pillars of our purpose, which are safe and efficient water supply, better sanitation and hygiene, contributing to the construction of better and more climate-resilient cities, and offering efficient and innovative solutions for improved construction performance," says Glaucia Faria, Sustainability Manager at Amanco Wavin.
The construction aims to bring more security and dignity to the families living in the community. Such is the case of Rejane Alves de Souza, 45 years old, mother of 9 children and grandmother of 12 grandchildren, who, due to lumbar arthritis, lost her job and found herself needing to move to Porto de Areia. "I don't know what depression is, and I don't want to know," says Rejane, who has already faced cancer and is now building her new home with TETO, seeking more stability to take care of her health and also the health of her youngest son, who, according to her, has suffered bullying for having the most vulnerable shack in the community, but now tells everyone that his house is unique in Brazil.
"The Eco Sustainable Seed Housing is the most complete and robust project by TETO Brazil. This is because, in addition to the social impact that even an emergency housing solution always has on the lives of people in situations of extreme vulnerability, it is a project with a significant environmental impact, which is especially important when we remember that favelas are the areas most affected by the effects of the climate crisis, such as floods and heavy rains," explains Lucas Borges, manager of TETO Brazil in São Paulo.
According to the President of the NGO Biosaneamento, Luiz Fazio, the Eco Sustainable Seed Housing represents dignity for many families who will be able to count on proper and sustainable sewage treatment. "For Biosaneamento, the consolidation of this partnership with TETO in this new housing model is essential to bring this project to more families. We also want to use this same technology to create a project of sanitary modules together with TETO," highlights Fazio.
By supporting the Eco Sustainable Seed Housing project, volunteers, donors, and partners, such as Amanco Wavin, Biosaneamento, and Fuplastic, are also helping to achieve 11 of the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) outlined by the UN (United Nations).
