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finca las brisas ecocommunity centerWe explored many possibilities and worked hard to find the right architects, project manager and project team for the community center. We have and continue to work hard to build a sustainable community center. We are using mostly local resources of both materials and labor. Most our materials fit historically with cultural look and feel. We will be solar powered and we are being environmentally responsible in all of our material selection and use. We are making improvements to the local community along the way. Our community center will meet most any criteria of an eco-center.
The design of the community center was driven by these goals: A place for people to stay. Suites are being built for residents and their guests. A place for people to work. Internet service, office and laundry facility are provided. A place for people to socialize. Large kitchen, open areas, decks and infinity pool facility social gathering of all kinds. Most of all, we want to create a place that people come to enjoy each other, the surrounding natural habitat and the beautiful views of Playa Samara and other costal areas. Community Center Design Documents
(Note: Designs do not include the lower area rancho, pool and cabina areas.) Sustainable Practice We have been able to utilize a very high percentage of local renewable materials and resources for our construction to date. Aside from the concrete and block used for the base of the casitas (we had to cut earth here due to grade), we have been able to source all materials on site or from surrounding farms. This includes: palm thatch (re-grows every year), teak (local farm raised), sand/gravel (from Carrillo beach area), form lumber (dead trees from farm), Madera negra posts for rancho (blow-downs from adjacent farms, these were pulled out with oxen).
The roof for the casitas will be constructed
of re-claimed antique barrel tile from Nicaragua. All the
2nd floor walls will be built of earthen plaster over heavy
wire mesh. Our earthen plaster consulting expert tells us
our soil is the ideal type for this process and he will be
spending several days on site during August training our
crews on how to properly apply the mixture. Wide roof
overhangs will keep the casitas cool and protect the plaster
from heavy rains. Interiors will be finished with teak beams
and floors along with other re-claimed downed hardwood
lumber for trim work. Current Status As of February, 2010 we continue to make significant progress on the construction of the community center facility and near finish of Phase I in May. The large rancho, now complete except for finish work, pergola extensions, and floor, will be the focal point for community activities. The space will consist of three areas, each for different activities – dining, lounging/living area, and pool patio/outdoor area. Our “out of sight line” solar power system with panels positioned on the hillside below is almost complete for this facility and our solar expert from North Carolina will be making a second trip to the finca in August to make all our final connections. The second phase of the community area will consist of our naturalized and virtually chlorine-free infinity pool, large commercial-style kitchen and bar area, and pergola and deck extensions surrounding the rancho. With the opening up of the utilities market in Costa Rica, we will soon have numerous satellite providers to choose from for our high speed internet connections at the farm.
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