9 minute read
The World's First Geodesic Dome Hotel
Interview with EcoCamp Patagonia
EcoCamp Patagonia is an award-winning, sustainable resort in Torres del Paine National Park and the world’s first geodesic dome hotel. International Glamping Business spoke to owner and co-founder Javier López about EcoCamp’s journey – from a team of passionate environmentalists to becoming the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon.
Tell us about EcoCamp Patagonia –where was the idea born and how did it come about?
In 1994 and 1996, we were devastated with the catastrophic construction of the second of two massive dams on the epic Biobío river, which drowned the most magnificent rapids and pristine forests in the southern hemisphere –displacing an entire community of indigenous people, the Pehuenches. As a result of this Armageddon, we were not only distressed and thrown out of business (we were then the main rafting outfitter in the region), but we were homeless – looking for a new place to settle and a new Nature Sacred Totem to worship. This painful scar imprinted on us a strong environmentalism ethos which arrived with us afoot of the gigantic granite spires of Paine in Patagonia. We knew this was our new home and Las Torres our new Totem.
We learned after visiting southern Africa for a Zambezi Rafting Expedition in 1994, that tented lodges were the most sustainable way to lodge guests with comfort and safety – both key factors in Patagonia where harsh climate and Huracan winds made traditional mountain camping unsuitable for longer stays. At the same time, trekking huts within Torres del Paine were absolutely precarious, poor in design and environmentally appalling, so there was an opportunity for us to prove our environmental commitment with a challenging innovation.
After 20 years of white water expertise, we set foot in Patagonia and started embracing the milder peace of hiking as our core activity. The length, beauty, mountain grandeur and its inherent difficulty made of Torres del Paine trails the perfect adventure for us and for our guests at a worldwide scale.
With the help and trust of a traditional family of “Colonos” (Croatian Colonists), we leased a piece of land and settled. Observing the traditional dwelling practices of the ancient Kaweskar Natives, we got the clues to design the appropriate dwellings to stand the ferocious Patagonian winds.
What was the driving force to become the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon? What sustainable practices do you implement?
Out of our struggle against authorities and multinational companies to prevent dams from being built, we reached a point where we either stood for protest and fought in the streets, or we could devote our energy to our work to bring balance and create awareness. We picked the second path and ended up building a true example of environmental design in a National Park that was crying for it.
At the very beginning, the environmental premises we adopted to design EcoCamp Patagonia were the ones printed at the Ecolodge Book by Megan Eplerwood of the Ecotourism Society, together with the example of the arguably first ecolodge ever at Maho Bay, designed by Stanley Salengut. Basically, the precepts, which are still 100% valid, were:
Minimize the constructed area and its whole footprint
Use light, portable materials
Minimize the visual impact; try to remain unnoticed
Don’t use fossil fuels and build a renewable energy supply
Manage your waste and recycle
Involve the community
Study and honor the traditions of the place
As of today, EcoCamp Patagonia relies primarily on renewable energy sources, including solar panels and hydropower. Human waste is recycled through composting and degradation/filtering in worm tanks. All other waste is collected, classified and exported out of the National Park. Accommodation design maximizes natural light inflow and heating is mostly passive, using gas and wood.
As the world’s first, why did you decide to offer Geodesic Domes?
African-style tents available on the market could never be pitched in Patagonia because of the strong winds, snow load and constant rain. There weren’t any other solutions available but those of the fiberglass or aluminium pods of the military bases at the polar regions.
Soon, the answer came after observing and studying the traditional huts used by the local natives, the Kaweskars, whose nomadic way of life prompted them to design domes made out of wood, branches and covered by wide Nalca leaves.
The characteristics of the domes proved to be unbeatable:
Strongest resistance to vertical loads (snow)
Strongest resistance to horizontal stress (wind)
Capability of taking stress by the mobility at its nodes
Minimum surface area for a given volume, so temperature exchange is minimized
Dismantling capacity
Holistic look and feel
Weight and portability
We found our original domes in Oregon, USA by the late 90s in the form of holistic country housing and asked the manufacturer (Pacific Domes) to tailor-make smaller versions to fit with the needs of an hotel that offers small stays of 3-5 days. We underwent a trial period that led us finally to strengthen the metal frame and tailor the skin covers to stand against the severe winds, permanent snow and UV radiation.
Could you tell us some of the highs and lows of creating EcoCamp?
The Downs
To be honest, the beginning of EcoCamp was very hard, and there were many downs as result of launching something new never seen before, for instance:
The bank wouldn’t lend money if the construction wasn’t brick and mortar
The insurance company refused to sell coverage to such an ‘awkward’ hotel
The park authority wasn’t willing to offer a concession because there wasn’t going to be a tangible asset left to them by the end of the concession
Tour operators refused to risk their guest’s hotel standards (of course there were others that loved the challenge)
The initial composting devises were not working well due to the low temperatures
The original wind generators were not designed to be efficient in such irregular wind distribution along the day
Two of our first domes were blown away during severe wind storms
The Highs
This whole journey has without a doubt had many more highs than downs and has brought us great satisfaction, for example:
The initial investment per square feet was the lowest we could possibly made for such high standard of comfort.
Installation was very fast and required a minimal amount of labor.
Non-permanent structures, such as a dome lodge, required far fewer permits in comparison with traditional buildings.
Strong environmental commitment brought strong business and sentimental relations with supportive Tour Operators.
The lodge being so light, we moved all of it in 2005 and reinstalled on a higher plateau, leaving very little traces behind.
We have seen many other dome lodges come after us all over the world and have been happy with it. We developed EcoCamp with the idea that it should be replicated to better the environmental impact of wilderness lodges in colder climates worldwide. It is too bad though, that the majority of the developers after us have replicated the domes ensuring the aesthetics – but ignoring all the remaining hardware an eco-lodge should have in terms of energy generation and waste management.
What was the public response to this brand new form of alternative and sustainable accommodation?
During the early years (before the internet), we were very dependent on resellers to make our lodge known and available abroad, since there were no ways to be exposed to the general public. Nowadays, our model is a genuine case study and we enjoy prestige gained with lots of effort. EcoCamp is open 8 months per year and it has an average occupation of +80% – so the model has proved to be successful when being run rigorously in terms of sustainable design and commitment.
Who is your typical guest – are they largely locals or global travellers?
EcoCamp Patagonia typically attracts a diverse range of guests. However, its primary clientele consists of international travelers who are nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Many of them also are seeking something unique and sustainable. Most of our guests come from US, UK, Australia and Canada and average age is 50 years.
What do you believe are the stand out features that have made your site so successful?
EcoCamp Patagonia has achieved notable success due to several standout features that set it apart in the world of sustainable travel and eco-friendly accommodation. These features have contributed to its unique appeal and popularity:
Sustainable Practices: It incorporates renewable energy sources, responsible waste management, and a focus on reducing its ecological footprint. Guests are provided with a responsible and environmentally conscious travel experience, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable tourism.
Unique Accommodation: The geodesic domes are visually striking and environmentally friendly. They offer guests a distinctive and memorable place to stay, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Torres del Paine National Park.
Immersive Nature Experiences: EcoCamp Patagonia provides guests with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wilderness of Patagonia. Guided excursions and activities showcase the region’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage, giving visitors a profound connection to nature.
Educational Initiatives: EcoCamp Patagonia raise awareness about the environment and conservation. They empower guests to appreciate and protect the natural world, making their stay not just a vacation, but also a learning experience.
Positive Guest Experiences: Many guests have reported transformative and unforgettable experiences at EcoCamp. Their testimonials and word-of-mouth recommendations have played a vital role in the lodge’s success.
What are your plans and goals for EcoCamp?
With more than 20 years, EcoCamp Patagonia is exploring opportunities to grow in other locations and keep innovating regarding sustainable practices and guest experience.
If you could give any advice to other glamping operators, what would it be?
Prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices. EcoCamp Patagonia’s success and appeal are closely tied to its strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Offer unique and memorable experiences. Glamping is about connection with nature while maintaining comfort and luxury.
Collaborate with local communities, to have a greater impact on the economic and social well being of the region.
By prioritizing sustainability and responsible travel, glamping operators can not only attract a growing segment of eco-conscious travelers but also contribute to the protection of natural environments and the promotion of ethical tourism practices.
Learn more at ecocamp.travel.
