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Finca Las Brisas
ecocommunity center |
We have completed phase one of our community center, which
includes a guest cabaña, two apartments, laundry and storage
areas, temporary kitchen, a small rancho and large rancho
for large gatherings and just hanging out. We picked the
best lot in the community for this center with a spectacular
360 degree view. The Pacific Ocean and Playa Samara in front and the hills and
mountain behind it.
We 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 and green 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 meets 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 were 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.
We were 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 must of the 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 was constructed
with re-claimed antique barrel tile from Nicaragua. All the
2nd floor walls are 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 spent several days on site during
one August training our
crews on how to properly apply the mixture. Wide roof
overhangs 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.
Most all of our workers are from the neighboring village of
Naranjal.
Currently we have completed Phase I of three phases. To be
completed are the community kitchen and pool area. The
designs in the drawing to the right do not include the lower
area rancho, pool and cabina areas.
The large rancho is completed and provides a focal point for community activities. The space consists
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 completed for this facility.
The second and third phases 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 3G
internet access is available.
Someone asked us once "How far do you have to walk to get to movies and shopping?" This is a rural experience, it is rugged, it is about nature. Community center area from lot #14 before Phase 1 was finished Phase 1 completed. Keith with Helosia and her father Eddie from Brazil Local musicians playing at one of our fiestas Darlene staying in our guest tent cabina
Someone asked us once "How far do you have to walk to get to movies and shopping?" This is a rural experience, it is rugged, it is about nature.
So the answer is "A very very long way."
Wood stacked in our community center for building the guest quarters Small rancho, that will be one day connected to the pool Retaining wall of the community center being built. Stone was pulled from the nearby river. Each year with the rains the stones are replenished. Tent cabina we provide for guests when the apartments are being used Fiesta for our workers when the community center was being built
Wood stacked in our community center for building the guest quarters
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Copyright 2006-2011 Arjuna
Limitada
LLC. All rights
reserved. Finca
Las Brisas (FLB) d/b/a Arjuna Limitada LLC.a Costa Rica corporation.
