Building the House of Beans: A Joint Effort

Building the House of Beans was an incredible journey for us at IKAT Cacao. This project wasn't just about constructing a building; it was about creating a central hub for our cacao production that benefits both our farmers and the quality of our cacao. Here’s the story of how we made it happen.

Why the House of Beans?

We decided to build the House of Beans for several reasons. Firstly, we wanted to have a centralized location for fermenting and drying our cacao beans to have better control over the quality of our cacao and ensure consistency in every batch. A consistent environment for fermentation is key to developing the complex flavors in the cacao. By streamlining these process steps, we also allow the farmers to focus solely on growing and harvesting their superior cacao which reduces the time and effort required for farmers to handle these tasks individually.

Starting the Construction

The journey began with selecting the perfect location. We chose a spot that was easily accessible for our farmers and had enough space for expansion. The design was crafted to reflect both functionality and sustainability. We wanted the House of Beans to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, so we used locally sourced materials and incorporated traditional architectural elements.

Building with Purpose

As construction started, the excitement grew! We used a combination of wood and bricks, ensuring the building was sturdy and resilient against the tropical climate of Flores. The roof was designed to provide ample ventilation, crucial for the fermentation and drying processes.

Community Effort

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the involvement of the local community. Septania, the farmers and builders all came together, contributing their skills and knowledge. This collaboration not only sped up the construction process but also strengthened our bond with the community. Everyone was united by the vision of our own local processing facility!

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, the House of Beans is a space where the hard work of our farmers is supported and the ripe pods turned into the delicious dried cacao beans!

Building the House of Beans has been an adventure, and we’re thrilled to share it with you. Thank you for being part of our journey, and we can’t wait for you to taste the exceptional cacao that comes from this special place.