eco smart and sustainable architecture in mexico.....

Building a house is always a challange. Building one in a rural area of Mexico is an experience. Casa J at Chachalaka is a modern house and a green house. Locally sourced materials are used and in particular the stone is from the area. The design makes use of thermal mass and natural air convection. The brick in Mexico is made of natural material with out additives, i.e. it is soft brick. Concrete is of course used and reinforced with re-bar. All surfaces are stuccoed. A traditional and sustainable way of building. Floors are polished concrete finished or tiles made of over 75% recycled material. Rain water is captured and stored. Grey water is filtered and used. Black water and waste is processed in a biodigester. Hot water is thermal solar heated, and solar panels generate more than enough power, and tie back to the electrical grid. These are new ideas for a modern designer house located on the ocean in a rural area. In addition the impact on the land is minimal and access and transport on the property will be by electric vehicle. The property we call Chachalaka is a park like setting, abundant with fora and fauna. Fronting on a pristine beach that seems to go forever, we want to keep things special and as they are. Casa J is the first of perhaps a total of four homes that will eventually occupy the property.

smart oceanfront living on endless beach.....

My architectural mentors Schindler, Nuetra, Barragan, and Pawson influenced and informed the design of Casa J at Chachalaka. It is minimal and modern. A simple design that takes advantage of the site and location. It is also a green house, incorporating water, waste and energy concepts for todays ecological smart society.

The location of Casa J on a pristine unspoiled beach on the Costalegre of Mexico, provides a setting that has amazing views of beach and ocean, and the privacy of over five acres of land. "Wow" is what best describes Chachalaka and Casa J.

Casa J taking shape

The first house at Chachalaka is expected to be finished in the new year. Casa J is a very unique design and sits over looking the Pacific Ocean and an amazing beach. I am very excited to be at this point on this journey that started over five years ago.

remembering a trip to prague during holidays

It is always a favorite time of year with the beginning of the fall season. Thoughts about travel and holidays come to mind. Remembering a holiday trip to Prague, beautiful, but cold. For now the focus is on warmer climates and the winter sun of Mexico, and Casa J at Chachalaka on the Costalegre.

Casa J at Chachalaka

Walking on the rocks in the late afternoon... looking back at Casa J. The architecture is now evident and what an amazing location.

A design becoming reality

This was a milestone for Chachalaka and the first house, Casa J. We just finished pouring the upper level floor, terrace and the pool. This is a very unique design that will feel comfortable in this amazing setting on the Costalegre of Mexico.

Working with stone

Mexican craftsmen are creating this beautiful stone work for Casa J at Chachalaka. As you approach the house your first impression is of stone which blends into the landscape. The stone was sourced locally for it's color and consistency with the surroundings.

Bainbridge Island has much to discover!

A favorite place to hang out on Bainbridge Island, just a short ferry ride from downtown Seattle Washington, is Eagle Harbor. The inner harbor is ideal for canoe or kayak exploring. The island has much to see and my favorite reference is this beautiful and thoughtful blog - Back Roads of Bainbridge.

Realizing a design

After much planning and process, the design of the first house on the five acre ocean front land that I call Chachalaka, is starting to take shape. Chachalaka is the Pacific Coast of Mexico at its best.