The Exemplary Nautilus: The Design Process

The challenge: how does one design and build an off the grid, ecologically savvy, sustainable compound of bungalows on an impossibly steep jungle hillside in Mexico? When we purchased this 2 hector (5 acre) parcel of land in the jungle just north of the small town of Lo de Marcos we were simply intoxicated by the beauty of the tropical landscape. It's 270 degree backdrop of the Pacific Mexican Riviera from the inland mountain range to the rich agricultural fields to the endless expanse of the sea allowed one to view the sunrise over the mountain peaks to the sunset falling behind the curvature of the Earth as they relaxed in the dipping pool with a fresh margarita in hand. Understandably, we first and foremost thought of our dream of integrating ourselves into this jungle oasis without truly contemplating the enormous amount of work and energy it would take to create such a sanctuary. Yet with these logistical nightmares and countless limitations, such a project, especially one so personal for my family and our partners, the Perez family, manifests an unchartered blank canvass that does not hinder our ingenuity and inspiration, but promotes renewed perspectives and endless possibilities. They don't call it cutting edge design for nothing. In embarking on such a challenging project, one will find oneself coming to a point in the process where they just have to take a leap of faith and repeat the mantra: "Just do it"!

Below is a photo illustrating the difficult yet creatively inspiring terrain. 

Here is another view of our property. A lagoon, beach perspective. Our tropical oasis is on the east side of the hill just under the lower ridge. 

There is an endless array of elements found in the design concept to ensure that the compound will include all ecologically conscious technologies, materials and practices possible for this climate, local market and technological capacity. The goal is to create a built environment that will function as a living structure capable of processing its waste, taking in energy and water only from natural, local resources, metabolize its temperature, and erect its form and structure from the earth its founded upon.

In addressing the prerequisites stated above and in acknowledging the culture centric built environment of the Mexican coastal region, our primary concern is designing a built environment that is intrinsically weaved into the composition of the jungle ecological system. There is no need to create a division between the two environs, simply live a life rooted within the moment of place, people and culture-a life of intention.

Below you will find photos of various places I have visited since I have been in Mexico. These homes consist of exemplary integrated "indoor" and "outdoor" spaces. In essence, we are creating a built environment defined by the functional and aesthetic design template found in nature. Our home will flow from a kitchen blessed with cool breezes to sun bathed patios to vibrant, protected bedrooms and bathrooms with jungle vistas. Its form and function will constantly be evolving, just like the life of our template. Welcome to the jungle life.

An evening gathering on the large patio of the Tailwinds Ecolodge.

The rooftop deck of a Tailwinds' bungalow at dusk.

The central, covered patio at Ron and Rebecca's home (our neighbors). It serves as a open air dining room, living room and general gathering space. 

The dipping pool patio amongst the jungle at Tailwinds. 

An open air kitchen and dining room at a home in San Pancho. An expansive palapa roof covered the entirety of the space and provided sanctuary from the sun and rain. 

Jungle integrated master suite with palapa roof.

The technicalities of building and living within an off the grid, passive house are grounded with the issues of water, energy, heating and cooling, and waste management. 

WATER:

We will have the roof and platforms positioned at a slant to orchestrate a rainwater catchment system where we will store the water in large cisterns in the ground underneath the house. This stored water source will then be pumped into large containers called tonacas to be gravity fed into the showers and  faucets. Below is a photo illustrating the slanted roofs of our neighbor's home in order to catch the water in a drainage system at the back of the house. The annual rainfall is around 60 inches, so with conservative water use and sufficient storage this system should suffice all of our water needs. We may also try collecting water in our two ravines located on our property. In order to do so we would need to dam the ravine and place a durable liner inside the reservoir, but that is a project farther down the trajectory. 

Methods to mitigate unnecessary water use include, but are not limited to, installing composting toilets, designing a grey water system for irrigation, emphasizing a drought tolerant plant palette, utilizing low flow water heads in the showers and other traditional, alternative measures. 

ENERGY:

Fortunately, our property is situated on a hillside with south orientation, so we will be collecting solar energy. We will also utilize propane gas for the stove and water heating system. Surprisingly, there are readily accessible resources for solar in Mexico and we have the expertise and experience of several local civil engineers and sustainable building consultants as well. Also, we will be able to utilize our coastal, high altitude location and compressed adobe material to create natural ventilation. This completely eliminates the issue of heating and cooling and the energy costs that accumulate rapidly. Another option is the collection of wind energy with a small turbine situated on our roof. There are endless possibilities, I will just have to examine the cost effectiveness of each item in a more intensive, practical manner. 

WASTE:

With the grey water system, the accessible recycling center in the town of Lo de Marcos and the proximity of our organic farm for composting, we do not foresee waste management being a large obstacle. One of the incentives of moving to Mexico and creating a new home was to contemplate our family's footprint composed of energy, natural resource and material consumption. Our goal is to emphasize the complimentary concepts of reduce, reuse and recycle in every aspect of our life in the jungle. These concepts are the pillars to the overarching idea of RETHINKING our way of life and our presence in this multifaceted, ingenuous ecosystem. 

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Another pivotal component to ecological design is the consideration of materials: their source, their impact and projected lifeline. I am continually researching the locally sourced and ecologically sound materials that provide sufficient function and ideal aesthetic. 

We have been informed that brick is one of the best locally sourced building materials. While we were never considering using concrete due to its high levels of CO2 emitted during its preparation, we have been made aware bricks superiority to concrete with its insulation qualities. On that trajectory we are now considering compressed adobe blocks that can be purchased locally from a cutting edge environmental designer. Adobe creates an ideal insulated structure that mitigates any mold or other factors induced by the humid, coastal climate. 

Now, the battle between palapa (palm frond) and tile roofs. There are many different options for roofing in Mexico, but the to main methods utilized on foreign owned houses are natural palm frond palapa or tile roofs. The palapa roofs vary is size and detail, but unfortunately they must be replaced every 7-10 years. The technology surrounding this traditional method is expanding and these palm frown structures provide proficient protection from rain, sun and insects. If we utilize palapa roofs on a portion of the compound the rainfall will still runoff and be collected on the pad. The issue with palapa roofs is their timeline and if its beautiful aesthetic is cost effective. The other option, tile roofs, are also locally sourced, and create a very Mexican aesthetic. Obviously, this option is much more sustainable in terms of its longevity. One issue with the tile roofs is the aesthetic both on the house dwellers' and town's standpoint of the house being integrated into natural surroundings on this prominent landmark (a hill rising from the sea and river to the north of town). As of right now, it seems that a balance of both palapa and tile will be the best option aesthetically, ecologically and to ensure cost effectiveness. Above, you will find a photo showing a very excessive home in San Pancho that uses both materials. 

Juan Ventura, a local builder in Lo de Marcos, will most likely be our contractor, builder for our project. He constructed this house as well as Ron and Rebecca's. He has built awe inspiring spaces and is proficient in ecological design and technologies. 

Creative use of materials for alternative shading will definitely be considered and utilized if applicable. 

This flat, smooth (flagstone) rock is some of the most durable, readily accessible material for retaining walls, which will be essential to providing support on our steep terrain. 

Many opportunities to use locally sourced wood for accents and cabinetry. 

There are also many varieties of wood with adaptive qualities to repel insects and the effects of the humid, coastal climate. Great ecologically conscious options. 

We will begin bulldozing and leveling our pad right after the christmas holidays. Updates will be coming soon. Please comment if you have any suggestions, concerns or encouragement. Hasta pronto. 

The Colorful Spirit of the Riviera: A Photo Essay

Bienvenidos a la vida bellisima!

You will find colors that inspire and enliven your senses in the most mundane places. 

Enchanting tropical botany... every step you take. 

A dusty surprise. 

Jump on in. 

Good morning from our stunning hilltop paradise.

The pops...Mexico style. 

The beach is coming alive. The Riviera is one of the best surf destination's in Mexico. Hint hint to my surf friends who want to visit!

Ahhhh the tiles. Mexican artisans are exquisite all around. 

My little friend that was found in the pantry. He is a Tailuswhip Scorpion, but in the Arachnid family. Completely harmless and is one of the few cockroach predators, but he's scary as biologically possible!

This was my beautiful and spirited bus partner. This picture captures her essence!

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And this is her capturing my essence....ha!

And I have officially fallen in love with chihuahuas. 

You weren't expecting a little game of polo in the backyard, were you?!

Notice the Casablanca-esque watering hole in the background...classy San Pancho, classy.

The celebration of life and family is ever present and blessed. 

Where else in the world would you want to be watching the sunset....!

Buenas noches. 

Spay and Neutering Clinic

It's inspiring to witness people coming together within a community to work for a pivotal cause, but it's an even greater success when the act addresses and resolves a very visual and prevalent issue for every party involved. The excess of stray dogs and cats in Mexico and across the globe has been a growing issue and is rarely addressed within developing nations. Along the Riviera Nayarit, the dog and cat populations are exponentially increasing due to a lack of appropriate sterilization methods, and thus the spread of diseases and malnutrition has plagued these poor animals as they continue to reproduce new generations that will disappear into the shadows.

Fortunately, there has been a group of gringos and Mexicans in San Pancho and Lo de Marcos who have mobilized with traveling Mexican veterinarians to organize biannual clinics. These veterinarians travel throughout Mexico to volunteer their time and in turn receive an array of experience(they are usually young vets), while the people of the town, foreign and national alike, volunteer their time to administer the endless logistics of the week long clinic. At these functions, dogs and cats will be either be spayed or neutered, and are able to receive any sort of medical attention necessary. This is an essential resource for these towns to ensure their animal's health and happiness, and the prosperity of the overall community.

I was able to volunteer at San Pancho's clinic this past week while hundreds of dogs and cats passed through the transformed community center's resource room as the quantity and quality of canine and feline life in the town was revolutionized. Below is an assortment of photos in order for you to relive such an inspiring gathering of people and energy.

A little chihuahua was being neutered. The calm and kind demeanor of the vet reminded me of my grandfather who was a vet in Baker County, Oregon for 40+ years. Grandpa Bill was always eager to help any animal in need and did so with loving care. Another very inspiring and compassionate mover and shaker! 

This litter guy had been in a dog fight earlier in the week and lost an eye. The vets were able to successfully operate and stitch the socket back up, so he will never have to be live with an agonizing infection. He is just waking up as sweet volunteers look after him lovingly. 

Melinda, a Lo de Marcos neighbor, looks after her dog and helps the vet as they calmly neuter him. The entire clinic was a very swift and professional function occurring with the help of 5 vets and 7+ volunteers working at any given time. 

Barbara is nurturing the chihuahua as he wakes up. He was in surgery in the first photo. 

Here is the recover station as the chihuahua is awoken and cats are fast asleep behind him. Cats take 5+ hours to come out of anesthesia. There have been no casualties during these clinics nor have there been any negative reactions to their presence and impact upon the communities. It was an amazing mobilization of people and animals to be a part of!

The Legends of San Pancho's

Olive Ridley sea turtles, both old and young, have been my dear guides into the world of San Pancho's marine legends. The Olive Ridleys, along with several other species of marine turtles, frequent the long, tranquil beaches through the summer and autumn evenings digging nests and laying their eggs in the hundreds. I have had the immense privilege of witnessing these majestic, prehistoric creatures emerging from the waves sparkling with phosphorescents. They then proceed to scale the beach's ever changing terrain to exert all energy biologically possible to dig and release 100+ eggs. After the birth, the turtles cover the nest with compressed sand by doing a latin inspired jig. Once the mama turtle is content with accomplishing her life's purpose, she leaves her nest without a single look over her shoulder. At this moment the volunteers of Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde are ready to find the nest and dig up the eggs resting in the mother's nest.

After the eggs are collected, the volunteers take the eggs either to the beach nursery where they are placed into a man-made nest in the sand to be released naturally or to the greenhouse nursery at the Center where the eggs are placed in artificial nests composed of styrofoam coolers. The success rate is a lot higher in the styrofoam nests, 90%, compared to 50% at the beach nursery and only 20% naturally. The eggs take about 5 weeks to hatch and then the volunteers process the styrofoam nests at the Center once 80% of the container have hatched and annotate how many eggs are sterile, hatchlings yet to hatch or sadly, the babies who did not make it through the gestation period.

The little hatchlings are then counted and placed into several bins ready to be released on the beach at 6:30 p.m., which is late enough to make it difficult for the birds and fish to prey on the hatchlings but still early enough for humans to witness the miraculous first stage of life, and then again at 10:30 p.m., 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. The baby turtles have an amazing magnetic adaptation, which draws them to the water even though they are still partially blind. As they travel to the water, they are able to warm up their body to this intense movement after being confined since creation so they are able to enter the ocean with full agility and endurance.

While the volunteer's work enables a much higher success rate from birth to release, only 1 out of 100 hatchlings will reach the reproductive stage of their life due to natural predators, and human presence through irresponsible fishing practices, poaching, and marine pollution. Even with these overwhelming obstacles there is still hope and this hope will only continue to expand through wide spread awareness. A type of consciousness that is positively contagious amongst people who care about all living beings and how to create a world in which they live harmoniously. You can take action by sharing the Center's story and informing yourself about the plethora of other groups working worldwide for this cause. Once you simply open your eyes and you may take in the magic of human compassion and its accomplishments. Check out Grupo's website: http://www.project-tortuga.org/.

Jump on in....

I have landed safely on the coastal paradise of Nayarit. This first week has been a crazy yet blissful whirlwind of transitioning, planning, strategizing and contemplation. I arrived into the Puerto Vallarta airport and traveled 45 minutes north to the Riviera Nayarit. My dad accompanied me down south, and once we reached the coast we began to settle into his busy business trip and the beginnings of my winter immersion into the life as a construction site manager for our family's future home and organic farm, and volunteer working with the holistic community organizations of the local towns of San Pancho and Lo de Marcos.

The weather, people, culture and lifestyle has consumed every once of my being and I am completely in love with the pure essence of this coastal Riviera. Both the local gringos and Mexicans exude an aura of passion and zest for life which is unparalleled by the usual mundane U.S. environment. The organizations I will be working for, EntreAmigos and Amigos de Lo de Marcos, stand as pivotal, unifying forces for their respective communities, and address the issues of their people and land in an holistic and optimistic approach. For more info. check out entreamigos.org.mx and amigosdelodemarcos.org. I haven't figured out exactly what community projects I will be involved with, so stayed tuned on that note!

During my dad's trip, we were able to connect with all of our neighbors to ensure the timeline of development and access to our property while we maneuvered our way through Mexican bureacratic red tape and uncertainties. The machete crew is fast at work clearing the land for bulldozing and analysis of the terrain for the optimum building pad, and layout of the entire property's hardscaping and future building sites. We also made a fabulous contact with some of the leaders of Amigos de Lo de Marcos who are aware of ideal farmland for lease, so the potential of expanding our family's organic farming business in the Pacific Northwest into Mexico with both crop, flower production and internship capabilities is within our grasps. This aspect of our future home and living situation is Mexico will aid in developing our property into a sustainable agriculture, alternative lifestyle eco-lodge, which is very appealing to the more adventurous travelers! My dad's trip was also comprised of meeting fabulous, inventive gringos who have relocated to the Riviera Nayarit and have built phenomenal houses and eco-lodges that are both rustic yet cutting edge in passive and off the grid design. Visit tailwindoutdoor.com to visualize some of these beautiful structures that have inspired our own design concept. I will be posting pictures very soon of these projects for you all to grasp the ingenuity, beauty and awe inspiring atmosphere of these spaces.

I had the privilege of witnessing the release of the baby turtles from the Turtle Rescue Center on the beach of San Pancho the other evening and will be partaking in collecting eggs and releasing more baby turtles (100+) this evening with the center's volunteers. I am hoping to become a volunteer myself for the month of January while still working with the other organizations and overseeing the designing and planning process, which will lead into the building and construction come late January.

I am currently living in the town of San Pancho at our friend's, the Frederichs', bar and home. I write this post while I hear the hustle and bustle of the streets outside, mainly composed of reggaetone blasting from neighbor's homes, vibrant advertisements from vendor's megaphones, and vibrating mufflers from family packed cars rolling down the dusty roads. I soak in the aroma of the polo field -yes, polo field in small Mexican fishing village!- from the rear of the complex, and enjoy the cool breeze relax my body after a long day in the sun and in the spanish speaking side of my brain as I have not mastered the natural bilingual lifestyle quite yet. Just give me a couple more weeks or so.

Here's to another busy, enlightening day and a new post to come as this project and my Mexican life further unfolds into a wild journey. Hasta pronto.