28.3.20
27.1.20
Di-a-logue a magazine from An American Mosaic
15.1.20
An American Mosaic on YouTube, real people, real conversations
7.5.19
A Podcast about Who We Are Today
1.9.18
Street Rods in the hills of West Virginia
18.8.18
This project is growing... An American Mosaic!
2.6.18
Listen to a new Podcast Series: Di-a-logue, An American Mosaic
27.2.18
Going back to creative roots with Peponi
http://american-mosaic.com and peponi.com.
11.1.18
Closing a chapter, new beginnings 2018
7.1.18
A kitchen conversation, An American Mosaic on the road
10.11.17
An American Mosaic is on the road!
10.9.17
Road Tripping in the American Heartland... An American Mosaic
8.3.17
An American Mosaic is gathering supporters... a project worth doing
PEOPLE ARE RESPONDING
“You are describing a mosaic of broken connectivity, perhaps not broken in terms of use of artificial intelligence, data sharing, or any other emerging technology, but broken in human terms of face to face communication, listening and courtesy. I wish you much success in your endeavor to gain a better understanding of how we can better engage and understand one another in a modern century with modern tools.”
‘If you are in anyway engaged with recent events, and the need for change that was so overwhelmingly voiced, you understand that a lot of people feel that their country has failed them.’ – “You're talking about me John. Fantastic project - please let me know if I can be of any assistance. I'm anxious to see your results!”
“Bravo! I think we all need to do this! We don't know each other like we should. We have more in common than not, I feel sure. I'll be eager to see your project unfold!”
“As part of the 'rest of the world,' I will be watching and listening as well. Canadians want to understand America as well. . .”
“Sounds incredible, what a great undertaking.”
“We're listening, John. Signed, the choir.”
“Love, Love, Love this project! What are your plans and what support do you need? I’d love to help you!”
What is this project? Are you part of the American Dream? Add to the conversation at:
http://american-mosaic.com
What is this project? Are you part of the American Dream? Add to the conversation at:
http://american-mosaic.com
18.2.17
An American Mosaic, a project starting in the summer of 2017
5.11.16
Casa J, a design influenced by light and shadow
18.6.16
Casa J Chachalaka... a magical place on the Costalegre of Mexico
23.5.16
A rare find... discovering a road less traveled
It was hard to imagine an area so beautiful and untouched still existed when Chachalaka was discovered almost ten years ago.
Six acres fronting on a beach that seems to go forever, and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, all seemed to good to be true, it was a dream place discovered.
Now the property has infrastructure, water, power underground, utility buildings, a guest house, and a contemporary main house that has been recognized for its architectural design. There are two additional building sites for houses, each with a guesthouse. One of the sites is ideal for a multiple unit structure. Green features have been incorporated into the plan. Solar, thermal hot water, water capture, smart water treatment systems, and all LED lighting are all part of Chachalaka.
The topography is what really makes Chachalaka so special. A first walk on the property revealed six building sites... all with amazing views. The plan now combines these into three compounds with space, privacy and view. Casa J, the main house, a guest house, and a palapa with plans for an additional pool and two guest quarters make up the first established compound.
Two real estate cycles later, the Costalegre of Mexico is being discovered. The serious developers have announced major projects and a major new airport is near completion. This is last stretch of undeveloped beach on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, it has been waiting for this moment.
It is now time to share the vision and the timing seems to be perfect. Chachalaka is a place without comparison for savvy individuals who like privacy and don't follow the crowds.
It is rare to find a place of pristine endless beach with few people in today's world.
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| Chachalaka is a one-of-a-kind property fronting on the Pacific Ocean on the coast of Mexico |
16.4.16
a world class hideaway on Mexico's Costalegre
28.2.16
imagine... your own beach, as far as the eye can see
7.2.16
photo shoots at Casa J and Chachalaka... a perfect location
26.1.16
a private and exclusive setting on six acres... Chachalaka and Casa J
24.11.15
Casa J at Chachalaka... noteworthy architecture in paradise
10.11.15
a view of paradise... Chachalaka in the morning
7.10.15
When less is more
There is an old saying in the design world that could to
apply to a broad range of things today. Less
is more. It is a way of getting to the point. A visual point. An experience
point. A talking point. A message point.
Less is harder, because it requires the ability to edit and
refine and be clear about what you present or create, not a something for
everyone approach, but execution with great care and skill, and focus.
I am going to stay with design on this, because it is what I
do. I was inspired to write this because an architect friend has labeled me
minimalist. It is reflected in my Chachalaka project, and the house I designed
and built in Mexico.
I was not always minimalist, I did not understand the power
of its simplicity. It takes maturity, and a level of
personal experience to reach a point, of just getting what simple is about – a
point when you can execute something extremely complex with a simple broad
stroke.
A single impactful experience leaves so much more, than a
cluster of random distractions.
9.9.15
summer is ending... winter nights at Chachalaka are amazing!
11.7.15
Chachalaka... as exceptionally refined, as it is secluded
15.5.15
a favorite photo of Casa J from the beach
1.2.15
Escape from the crowds... the allure of Jalisco's south coast
The Pacific Coast of Mexico along the state of Jalisco, is a
richly diverse coastline with large and small bays – beaches, and a variety of
sparsely populated communities between the larger towns and cities. Cabo
Corrientes just south of Puerto Vallarta is where the Costalegre actually
begins. Costalegre means “happy coast”, and it is indeed that. It will put a
smile on your face when you see some of the remote and pristine beaches it has
to offer. There are isolated little coves of sand and grand expanses of beach
that stretch for as far as the eye can see. There is a diversity of flora and
fauna that ranges from tropical to dry and arid, and high bank oceanfront with
rocky cliffs at waters edge, to flat almost dune-like no bank beachfront. There
are lagoons that form where rivers outlet against the beach and find a place to
break through to the ocean during the rainy season. Birds of many varieties
populate the coast, and some are unique to only this area of Mexico. Marine
life is still abundant off the coast from Cabo Corrientes and to the south of
Jalisco. Much of this remote area is also home to nesting sea turtles that
return annually to lay their eggs on the beaches.
All of this is why this area is so special and why it
appeals to those who want to escape the usual convenient tourist destinations.
Imagine sitting on a beach that seems to go forever, watching the sunset into
the ocean, and no one else is around. Perhaps a morning walk, as the first rays
of sun warm the sand under your feet. Add a little creature comfort. Perhaps
some fresh fish for lunch or dinner, maybe something that you caught. Find a
setting with the ambiance that suits your style, and you might not want to go
back to whatever you do in real world time. When you do, you will feel
refreshed, inspired, and probably planning your return.
Access to some of the best is just now improving with the
surfacing of what once was a seasonal dirt road from the town of El Tuito to
the Mayto area. The Mayto area affords access to beaches to the north of Cabo
Corrientes as well as south to Tehuamixtle and Villa del Mar and beyond to La
Cruz de Loreto.
At Chachalaka we are fortunate to have one of the best beaches at our doorstep.
8.1.15
time to talk about the architecture of Casa J
9.11.14
location, location, location... Casa J
28.9.14
it's about details at this amazing beach house
4.8.14
I made lifestyle my business
We all have a dream. Some of us achieve that dream, and some
experience it through others. And some just continue to dream. In business,
dreams become ideas, and ideas become a business. It can start small and grow
as we follow our idea, learning along the way and following our passion – if we
are fortunate enough to be passionate about what we are doing. I have been fortunate. Design is
something that I realized was my passion a long time ago. All things design. A
friend once said to me, when I got up in the morning, the design process began.
That passion for design set me on a journey that became a lifestyle. As I matured, I began to realize and
recognize design on many levels. Travel broadened my experience and introduced
me to design from different perspectives. I would introduce these ideas in my
work. I became a collector of furniture, photography, fashion, and a consumer
of anything showcasing good design. Design was my work and design was
integrated into my life.
As I began exploring cool places to escape in warmer
climates, I was drawn to amazing beaches and developed a user experience checklist.
How did the walk on that pristine virgin beach affect me? Did I totally forget
everything the moment I took in that breathtaking view? Was I mesmerized by the
awesome sunset? Am I appreciating the carefully designed architecture around me?
Have I noticed the selected and curated furnishings and décor surrounding me? Am
I inspired to do something, to create something? Do I feel like I have
experienced something so special, I do not want to tell anyone about it? Am I
totally relaxed? Do I want to stay or leave.
If I never wanted to leave, I knew I would return. And I did
return frequently to many different places and some extremely special
favorites. It is about life. We all need to fuel our inner self with rewards. I
realized for me it was ocean, beach, architecture, and, a beautiful setting
that had not been overly changed by the hand of man. This became a part of me, a lifestyle, something that fueled
me with enormous energy and creativity. When my tank was low, I knew I could go
someplace amazing and fuel up.
As the world shrank and the truly special places were
becoming overcrowded, I decided to create a place. A place that drew on all my
experiences discovering amazing beaches, and very cool places. A place that embodies
lifestyle and involves design and architecture, things that I am passionate
about. I have been blessed with having the time it took to plan and create the
place I call Chachalaka. A lifestyle experience that soon will be available for
those looking for beauty, intimacy, tranquility, and privacy.
12.5.14
life on your own terms... Chachalaka living
3.5.14
generating power at Casa J
27.3.14
establishing a style at Casa J
15.3.14
the undiscovered costalegre... a paradise
3.3.14
Designing a place where stress just melts away
Transforming a piece of paradise into a place that feels
like home is a delicate balance between nature and lifestyle. After a lot of
planning and thought, ultimately the land tells you what to do. And, you design
something that is as special as the place.
About a one hour drive from the town of El Tuito, south of
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is an area of pristine, virgin beaches. It is a place that
surprised us, as it does all who discover it. It is unexpected. That became the
overriding criteria for the design of the house I call Casa J. Create something
that is equally as unexpected. The nature part of the plan was obvious, keep
things as natural as possible, leave the beautiful trees, and use nature’s
resources in the architectural design. The lifestyle part, for me, was to
baffle expectations for a house in this undeveloped area by creating a unique
high-end house. In contrast with the usual stereotype grand, high-color and
tiled homes associated with high-end Mexican coastal living, Casa J is a
contemporary, minimalist style, influenced by mid-century modern architecture.
It is open in its design and incorporates the setting, and amazing views
seamlessly into the design. The house is as visually interesting as the setting
without distracting your attention from the ocean, beach, and landscape.
In a place like this you also want to be smart about the
environment and your consumption of water, energy, and fuel. A modern house
today should be eco-smart. Casa J does not wear a lot of environmental features
as a badge - it is just quietly smart. Hot water is from a thermal solar
system. Rainwater is captured and used. Our water comes from our own well and
water system. Grey water is recycled and used for landscape. Black water is
treated in a Biodigestor system. Our fuel is from a single source, propane,
fueling our stove, clothes dryer, and a backup generator. A leading technology,
multigate micro inverter solar system, ties us to the power grid. We generate
more power than we use. The 70 LED lights at Casa J, consume a total of only
315 watts. In addition, the design considers thermal mass, and natural air
convection.
2.2.14
a passion for design and architecture
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