The Pacific coast of Panama is defined by its coastline to the south and by its dry tropical forest to the north. Contained within the Panamaes Ecological Reserva are areas of conservation forest, reforestation, and naturally regenerating forests. REP is a shared land management program with the goal of reforesting and rebuilding biological corridors through this remote region of the Azuero Peninsula. Activating the forest lands is an important goal for the REP. The network of trails has been designed to provide an immersive experience for visitors as well as providing habitat for native flora and fauna. Restoring and protecting the lands of the REP will ensure the long-term sustainability of the threatened oceanfront ecosystem, and for the surrounding communities of Pedasi.
IM/KM refers to the REP as the 4th house on the property. The REP required careful analysis of the existing conditions and that needed to be married with our clients goals. IM/KM managed the development of the REP: managed a team of engineers and experts, surveyed and mapped the property, and created a master plan that includes long-term sustainable development goals such as: trail systems, recreation places and activities, seed collection, native tree propagation, and a vertically integrated operation for the property that includes edible forests, organic farming, composting and recycling.
Applying the principals of ‘thinking beyond the properties boundaries’ – the strategic plan we have developed for the REP focuses on leaving the properties in a better state than when we found them. Most importantly the strategic plan of the REP has been conceived to have a positive environmental and social impact because this is critical to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of life at the REP and in the surrounding communities.
We are very proud of the initiatives taken on by the REP and believe that a similar model of design and development is something that the architects, developers and landowners can refer to when deciding how to best use their lands. Through our work at the REP we have come to understand how architects can and should function as stewards of the land – and that we all have a responsibility to think beyond our project boundaries and aim to think sustainably from both an environmental and social point of view.
Be sure to follow the REP on Instagram here: Reserva Ecologica Panamaes on Instagram
The story behind Reserva Ecologica Panamaes is documented extensively on our blog.
Our conservation efforts can be reviewed in detail in our Sustainability Report, which you can download in English or Spanish by clicking on the icons below:
“Through our work at the REP we have come to understand how architects can and should function as stewards of the land – and that we all have a responsibility to think beyond our project boundaries and aim to think sustainably from both an environmental and social point of view. ”
Studio Tlalli is a high-end design studio that produces furniture and objects made from sustainable materials assembled by hand in our shop located within the reserve. The workshop supplies furniture for the residences.
Ongoing
Master Plan
IM-KM Architecture and Planning
Kristin Morales + Ivan Morales
Greg Ives, Rene Nava
Emilio Mariscal, Mi Ambiente, SINAPROC, Rolando Perez, Mario Urriola, Josanel Sugasti, ProEco Azuero, Alcalde Miguel Batista, Matt Brewer, Edwina von Gal, Kyle Meister, and many, many more – thank you
Saul Cedeno, Horacio Peralta, and Crew