Approach

Working with neighbors, a local contractor, and government staff, Sustrato redesigned the project without modifying the federal contract. We discovered the original proposal was overpriced—creating room for a more ambitious two-story center with multipurpose spaces and outdoor gathering areas. Using budget savings, neighbors added a rainwater harvesting system, herb garden and fruit orchard, a library, and a human-sized chess board.

The construction process itself became community-building. Former strangers met through building together, learning skills while creating shared ownership. Unemployed residents led significant portions of the work.