a morning that seems magical

A morning that seems magical. A mist is coming in off the sea, the sun is rising over the mountains in the distance. A glow of light is highlighting the trees and casting shadows within the house. You can feel the morning with all your senses. I love mornings like this. It is a reminder of how very special this place is.

designing a beach house for light and shadow

Casa J was designed to allow light and shadow to play throughout the structure. Shade walls for cooling, thermal mass for temperature control and solar for power. The sun not only provides a source of energy, it provides a part of the aesthetic of the house. The location on a pristine beach on the Costalegre of Mexico is a place where location dictated the design. A modern open concept in oceanfront living.

thirty seconds at Casa J Chachalaka

A very quick look at Casa J as it nears completion. A modern, eco-smart house on the Costalegre of Mexico.

A love of beaches

I love a great beach. To name a few....  French Polynesia, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fijian lslands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Coast of East Africa, Lamu, Malindi, Seychelles, Praslin Island, Bird Island, Mauritius, North Africa, Essaouria, Cuba, Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, South America, Chilean Coast, The gulf coast of Mexico, Holbox, Baja, Sea of Cortez and most of the Pacific Coast of Mexico. I think the magic of a beach is measured by a huge wow factor, and the solitude and purity of the experience.  A walk on the beach should be an escape from crowds of people and the daily grind.  

Almost seven years ago, I started looking for a beach to hang my hat.  For me it had to be sunny, it had to be an easy travel day from the West Coast of the U.S. I wanted to have plenty of time to watch the sun set on arrival day.  And, I was hoping for a virgin beach.  After re-looking at some familiar places, I was becoming disappointed.  Even the far away places that I had visited in past years were now discovered by the tourist crowds of the world.  By chance and a fortunate conversation, I discovered a place that I thought no longer existed.  A pristine, beautiful beach area that is undiscovered by tourism - yet accessible.  I now have a stake in this area, and I am bringing to bear all my years of collecting beach experiences in the many places that I have stayed, along with my design experience to create something very special called Chachalaka. A modern eco-smart place to live and play.      

rooms with a view

It is all about view at Casa J. The sighting of the house and the open design create a sense of one with house and it's surroundings. The views are stunning of ocean and beach. A house for oceanfront living in Mexico.