eco Tinkuy

Viviendas ECO have come up with a mutually beneficial concept where 20 local families of the Taquile Island receive sustainable renovations of their homes for offering decent accommodation for tourists.

The Taquile Island lies on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca and is known for its beautiful scenery and clear blue lake water. Sadly, the desired influx of tourists who would support the economy of the native inhabitants is very small. This is mainly due to the inadequate comfort standards, health and safety of the accommodations offered.

Viviendas Eco decided to tie these two issues together and came up with a beneficial concept for natives as well as tourists. Through investment in sustainable housing, native families could enjoy a higher standard of living while having a low impact on the environment. Tourists, on the other hand, could enjoy the marvels of the island and observe the native culture while enjoying suitable living conditions.

Firstly, the houses would be equipped with a heating system known as the “Trombe wall” which uses a sheet of glass or polycarbonate to store heat from solar irradiation and transfer it through a duct to the inside of the house. Secondly, water would be heated by solar panels. Thirdly, kitchens would be reconstructed with local materials which would allow the cookers to reduce the use of fossil fuels and at the same time the emissions of greenhouse gases.