Sago Saga

11 June

What does it take to build sustainably? Deep pockets, tenacity, persistence…

Our latest attempt to roof sustainably using a different Sago species

Building an eco-resort here in the beautiful, remote paradise of Raja Ampat comes with its own set of unique challenges. One of our most interesting—and sometimes frustrating—adventures has been roofing our guest houses.

In line with local regulations and our own commitment to sustainability, we started with the idea of using natural materials like rattan and sago palm leaves. While rattan has a beautiful aesthetic, it turns out that it’s not as durable as we need. So, we have specified sago palm leaves, which are made into hand-sewn panels to form our roofs.

With each building, we learned something new. We experimented with different lengths and spacing of the panels, trying to balance durability and efficiency. Unfortunately, we soon discovered that local insects found our roofs quite appetizing, leading to unexpected damage over time.

From experimenting with different varieties of sago palms to considering treatments like borax and neem oil, our journey has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. While the process has had its challenges, we remain committed to finding a sustainable solution that is kind to the environment around us.

Stay tuned as we continue to innovate and share the lessons we learn along the way!