Costa Rica
The Happiest Country
An article from the New York Times:
"There are several ways of measuring happiness in countries, all inexact, but this pearl of Central America does stunningly well by whatever system is used... "
Green Building in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the poster child for equatorial green building. With some of the most biodiverse areas of the planet, green building is the only appropriate way to build. Lower costs, greater comfort, and less impact are the benefits.
Jill's House - Costa Rica (click here for more photos)
Jill's House in San Josecito, Costa Rica, a fine example of green architecture - this house is constructed predominantly from one large 7' diameter fallen manglio tree on the property that we had milled. The house was built off the grid with a 12v solar electical system and solar hot water heater. The water system is by a gravity feed pump that requires no power input to pump uphill to a 300 gallon water tank system. The house was built by local craftsmen over a period of nine months. There is a wraparound porch on three sides with beautiful views of the Pacific ocean and Playa Ballena a thousand feet below. It has a cupola at the peak of the roof, combined with transom venting to create natural ventilation. The house requires no air conditioning to be comfortable year round. A truly low-impact green building.
Costa Rican Development
ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCE AFFILIATES, LLC plans to purchase approximately 20 acres in the province of Puntarenas on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Our proposal is to design and build four to five Eco friendly homes to be sold as part of a condominium development. Each property will be individually owned, but the access roads and majority of the land surrounding each will be preserved and controlled by the association providing maintenance free access roads and well kept native landscaping. The cornerstone of this development is the unparalleled 180 plus degree ocean view of white water crashing waves surrounding the naturally formed "Whale's Tail" for which the southern coast has been aptly named - Costa Ballena. Each owner will be assured that his spectacular view will remain unobstructed.
