Sustainability

Tierra Chiloé is the most recent addition to the Tierra family and this sustainable property incorporates innovative construction methods, which make the most of the natural resources for heating and ventilation. Efficient technologies create a low-impact building which invites you to admire the beautiful surroundings – the sea and nearby Pullao Wetlands.

At Tierra Chiloé, conserving the Rilán Peninsula’s biodiversity involves continually protecting the land that surrounds the hotel, ensuring it is managed sustainably. Here, a thriving culture lives on, reflected across each and every space within the hotel. We share a strong link with the local community, many of whom work with us – from the slippers provided for each guest, hand-knitted by our neighbors, to working with local farmers who supplement the organic harvest from our orchards and vegetable gardens.

Efficient Structures

Tierra Chiloé stands out for its eye-catching architecture, which was inspired by the traditional ‘palafitos’ of the island. The hotel was built with the help of the local community, many of whom still work with us today.

The building’s geometric, sustainable design optimizes the natural energy sources identified during a study of local land conditions. The location and orientation of the structure is such that the light and heat of the sun can be absorbed through thermopanel windows. This, together with ‘Low-E’ technology allows for 66% of energy that would otherwise have been lost – to be saved.

We use natural cross ventilation in order to keep the air fresh and efficient lighting reduces the use of fossil fuels. Renewable biomass energy is used to heat the hotel, further reducing our carbon footprint.

Traditional Crops

In 2011, Chiloé was declared by the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization for the United Nations) as a ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System’ (GIAHS), recognized for its identity and the important role it plays in conserving both ancient agricultural practices and native crops.

We do our best at Tierra Chiloé to maintain biodiversity over our 20 hectares of land. Eight of these hectares, 50% of which make up part of our gardens, have been planted with different types of produce including herbs, fruit and vegetables; many of which are native to the region such as hazelnut, nalca and rosehip. On the terrace of the hotel are big wicker baskets filled with beautiful local flowers, often used to decorate dishes served in the restaurant. We also grow typical Chilote potatoes and garlic, and we have a greenhouse and organic compost heap to help it all flourish!

Design with a Story

Our interior designers, Alexandra Edwards and Carolina Delpiano, are pioneers in their field; incorporating local craftsmanship into their projects and paying homage to regional culture.

In Chiloé, they decided to let each space to tell a story. Considering the richness of talent both nationally and across the archipelago, their aim was to integrate Chilote craftsmanship with contemporary Chilean design, as well as inviting artists to work on specially commissioned pieces, including intricately crafted dioramas, which echo Chilote mythology, typical regional churches and the Minga, an island tradition where homes are moved across the island with boats or oxen and the help of neighbors and friends.

You will also find our in-hotel market which takes inspiration from the markets on the island and serves as an open pantry for guests. There is a hand painted map by artist Claudia Peña that mimics the memoirs of visitor’s personal travel logs, treasuring items such as native tree leaves, animal depictions and rare shells.

Protecting the Wetlands

Next to the hotel are the Pullao Wetlands, which boast a rich array of shorebirds. Among them, are the Curved-billed Curlew, Hudsonian Godwit (a North American species), Chilean Flamingo, Chilean Plover and black-necked Swan. We have undertaken to carry out best practices with the Center for Conservation and Study of Natural Heritage (CECPAN), to promote the sustainable management of these wetlands and preservation of their biodiversity. At low tide, local seaweed collectors can be seen gathering their stocks.