Tree House Tribe Panama

We chose M2 as our building material. M2 is a process where 2" x 4´ x 8´ styrofoam panels encapsulated in wire mesh are covered with two thin layers of concrete. This process reduced weight and building time. In its purest form, this building technique was a standalone process. In our rendition, we placed the foam panels between welded metal studs "carreolas". This produced an unbelievable strong yet light structure.     Spaces for windows and doors are precisely cut out. At this point, concrete must be applied to the steel mesh. First, a “scratch coat”  which is driven forcefully past the steel mesh into the foam. Normally a second coat would be applied, to give a smooth finish. This was done in the interior walls however, the exterior was left with the scratch coat as split bamboo was to be added for a rustic effect. 

But alas, there was no magic wand! Instead, three days, three men and lots of hard work.  The three days were just to obtain and transport the leaves, not to install! This type of Palm tree does not grow at our elevation of 3400 ft.                            Green Gold!