BUILD Architecture Awards 2024 For years, it seems as though the world of architecture has hit something of a brick wall. More and more builds are starting to look like carbon copies of one another, draining the personality from even the most culturally rich of areas. However, there are those who are hoping to halt this growing trend before it roots itself too deeply into the industry, and Sepia Panama is a shining example of a collective that’s certainly made headway in this venture. Below, we delve into the unique techniques Sepia Panama has cultivated, and how these techniques play a crucial role in the development of its showstopping projects. Best Sustainable Design & Regional Vernacular Architecture Firm 2024 - Central America & BUILD Excellence Award in Sustainable Earthen Construction 2024 Sepia Panama Contacts: Alejandra Cano, Luis Ferreira Company: Sepia Panama Web Address: https://www.sepiapanama.com/ Following the establishment of its first office in the coastal town of Pedasi, Sepia Panama knew that it wanted to do things a little differently to other architectural firms within the Panama region. It understood that, while certain techniques created flawless results, it may just be able to cultivate a new approach to the craft that would reignite the flame of rustic-contemporary builds. Primarily focused on exploring tropical contemporary architecture, Sepia Panama would go on to perfect its line of in-house projects applying diverse passive construction techniques – by implementing a process that makes use of clay as the main material throughout the construction; denominated by Sepia as ‘contemporary quincha builds’. Deeply rooted in the vernacular architecture of the region, this technique marries traditional materials with current ones to create builds that truly reflect the firm’s proud, Panamanian heritage. Centered around drawing awareness to the benefits of bioclimatic architecture and sustainable engineering techniques, Sepia Panama has spent its tenure cultivating a portfolio of builds that aren’t only liveable, but invite a sense of nobility into their midst. Sepia’s ideals include promoting their passive building design and techniques with the promise of developing a systematic approach that focuses on applying these vernacular inspired methods in advanced housing projects. Whether it’s carrying out architectural design, interior design, landscape design, project development, institutional permitting, geotechnical and engineering consultancy, maintenance, or construction services, Sepia Panama is eager to share its vision with its vast clientele. For the most part, the firm works alongside with individuals who, as a product of their international backgrounds, are hoping to transition to a slower, more natural lifestyle. After four years of experimenting and perfecting with diverse sustainable building techniques, in 2019 Sepia Panama finally showcased its tried and true Contemporary Quincha Builds to clients across the region. It was here that the collective took the leap to construct an 87m2 structure that would later come to be known as the Sepia Panama Office project in Pedasi, Los Santos. Though it’s difficult to find a niche within such a broad industry, Sepia Panama has chosen a “back-to-basics” approach with its innovative, yet traditional, techniques. In doing so, they have earned recognition by rescuing and adapting the cultural architectural heritage of the region. Sepia Panama has proven that, through enough dedication, hard work, and genuine passion, it’s possible to develop techniques that hold the potential to reshape the industry. We can’t wait to see where Sepia Panama takes its bioclimatic design processes next. Contacts: Alejandra Cano, Monica Zumbado Company: Sepia Panama Web Address: https://www.sepiapanama.com/
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