generating power at Casa J

At Chachalaka, we care about things like power and water and our environment. Our installation of twelve 255 watt solar panels at Casa J generates more power than we use. We are a little power station. That is being smart in today's world.

establishing a style at Casa J

The house Casa J is designed, and built. It's architecture stands by itself, so the furnishing and decorating must carefully work in harmony with the bold and minimalist design of the house. A preference for eclectic and interesting things, both contemporary and rustic antique are on our shopping list. It is a process of curating, some things found, some things we design and have made.

the undiscovered costalegre... a paradise

In the state of Jalisco on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, there is a magical place that is waiting to be discovered. It is known as the Costalegre aka the happy coast. The northern part of this coastline is virtually undiscovered. We have found it, and created Chachalaka.

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.

A great deal of thought went into making this a house that just quietly does what it is supposed to do. It lets you relax in a creative and visually stimulating environment, and enjoy this amazing paradise that I call Chachalaka.

a passion for design and architecture

Creature comforts are arriving at Chachalaka. My design for a custom sofa completes the architecture of the "great room" area of Casa J. It is totally about lounging and relaxing while being amazed by the views, in this open concept house.

Chachalaka 2014... realizing a dream

Some have said I am living the dream. Building an amazing house in a place that many would call paradise. It has been a journey of almost seven years since first discovering what I think is one of Mexico’s secret places. The journey began with a chance conversation with an old friend in Puerto Vallarta, who told me about the area known as Mayto. The area is one hour down a dirt road from the town of El Tuito, an hour south of Vallarta. Drive time is actually less than two hours now that the dirt road is partially surfaced. You get the idea, this is off the beaten path and that is why it is so special. Imagine a pristine virgin beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. Better yet, imagine six acres of oceanfront land on this beach.

That is how it all started. I did not hesitate when I found the parcel of land I call Chachalaka. Purchasing and getting real papers for the land is a story in itself. A very important step, that took almost three years.  The last three plus years, has been spent putting in infrastructure to support my vision for multiple homes on the property, and the design and building of the first house – Casa J.

People are surprised by the caliber of the design and quality of the house. I think many assume that if you are in a rural undeveloped area that you build something funky and rustic. To the contrary, Casa J is a contemporary house influenced by classic architectural modernists, such as Wright, Barragan, and Nuetra. I also, strongly believe any house built today should be eco-smart. Casa J was designed to consider thermal mass, natural air convection, rainwater capture, gray water recycle, thermal hot water, and solar panels for power, with a grid-tie system. High quality Italian tiles are used, made of 75% recycled material. This is modern sophisticated architecture that supports sustainable living.

This is a new idea for developing oceanfront homes on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. I think it makes sense and is the way of the future. As more people discover these virgin areas, controlling density, and requiring eco-smart features, should be part of any plan. This is an amazing area that should require smart thoughtful development. Casa J is a good start, a beach house with style.

the amazing journey of the sea turtle

The sea turtle is an amazing creature. They can live for over a hundred years. A female must reach ten years of age before she can lay eggs, and then she returns to the beach where she was born. It is normal for her to lay up to a hundred eggs. Out of that a few survive. In addition to natures dangers, the turtle is faced with poachers who take eggs from nests on the beaches... considered a delicacy by some. The trip out to sea may be met with fishing nets, and their long journey across the ocean from the beaches of Mexico and elsewhere, is full of hazards and pollution. Only the fortunate and hardy survive to return year after year to lay their eggs. This is why I support the effort of those on our beach who protect the newly hatched for release into the ocean as they begin their new shot at life.

recycling is part of the design at Casa J

Recycling is finding its way into mainstream architecture. I designed Casa J incorporating tiles of 75% recycled material, rain water capture, and gray water reuse.

Wood at Casa J is Mexican Parota, which is highly insect resistent. The application is designed for function and style, with a high grade furniture finish for durability.

It is all about details.... at Casa J

It is the details that separate the special from the ordinary. Nature has told us where to build at Chachalaka. And what we build, we carefully design. Casa J style.

exploring the cuisine of mexico....

Along the Pacific Coast of Mexico, you can discover wonderful places to sample fresh seafood. In the fishing village of Tehuamixtle we had a refreshing seafood lunch served with chilled wine and ice cold cerveza.

creating a sense of place...

A house must feel a close relationship with its surroundings, whatever its style. The landscape design and use of outside areas combine to create a place, not just a house. Casa J is open and flows visually with the outside areas. Local stone is used extensively on on the house and the landscape walls, walkways and terraces.

a workplace with a lot of benefits

I am often asked, being in Mexico a lot, "are you retired"? Answer is no. I just do something different, and actually more creative in a broader sense, than what I previously had done. While I was honored extensively for my design work, I would not rest on that success. It is history. Good history, never the less history. I have always had a love of architecture. To me it is something much larger and has a kind of permanence about it. Design on a higher level. That is what I am doing today, and my workplace is my canvas where I am creating Chachalaka. It is work to be sure. However, it is also an amazing place, that requires something equally amazing.

minimal and modern with amazing views... Casa J

Those who have followed along with me as I have developed Chachalaka, and designed the first house, Casa J, have been great supporters as I have transitioned into architectural design. Casa J is minimal and modern, and designed for a beach lifestyle that incorporates todays concerns for the environment. It is also designed to fully appreciate the amazing views.

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.

eco-smart is also about preserving.....

Designing a modern Eco-smart house in a beautiful pristine place also means working to protect this amazing place. Our beach is a turtle sanctuary. A place were sea turtles return to lay their eggs. We support the protection of sea turtles. Baby turtles being released into the sea at dusk.

architecture in paradise....

An amazing house in paradise. Casa J is uniquely simple in it's minimalist modern style. Dramatic, yet intimate. It is a house for todays modern concept of oceanfront living.

buying and building on the coast of Mexico

Almost seven years ago I made the then difficult drive to the Mayto area south of Puerto Vallarta. It was love at first sight and the beginning of an amazing project. I found a very special parcel of land fronting the Pacific Ocean, with multiple building sites and breathtaking views of the ocean and beach. I call the place Chachalaka after a native bird. Today, I am nearing completion of a modern, eco-smart house on this land. Many people have asked me how I did this and after seeing it, they certainly know why. The first and most important piece is securing the true title to the land, once you have negotiated a deal with the owner. Acquiring land in Mexico, in many areas, usually means you are dealing with Ejido land. This was the case for me, and it is a process that requires patience and a great deal of effort on the part of the seller, as well as the buyer. Basically you are taking land out of Mexico’s “homestead” system and “privatizing” it. It is a process most sellers and buyers know very little about, so there is potential for misinformation along the way. The “Ejido”, which is a legal governing body of a community, plays a large part in the transaction. The leadership of the Ejido authorizes the sale, signs documents releasing the land, and gets a commission. Needless to say, a good attorney who knows about this type of land is important to have on your team. I chose to be sure that I had legal ownership before starting anything. This took almost three years. Some jump right in without papers, something I would recommend against. The second, and fun part begins when you put in infrastructure to support development and start the design process. I might add, that most everything you do requires permits, and in some cases you deal with both local and Federal regulations. My vision is for multiple homes, however I am focused on one home at the moment. This is a modern, sustainable, eco-smart house that I designed for today’s lifestyle of modern coastal living. I also believe it supports a concept of minimum environmental impact on the land. I have a great team running the construction. I think it is important to really know your contractor. We spent six years getting acquainted. This has paid off. I am in an area that some would consider logistically difficult. And, that is why it so special, a place of pristine endless beaches. It is a perfect hideaway with smart design, architecture and beach, less than two hours from Puerto Vallarta.

minimalist and modern.... casa j at Chachalaka

Minimalist and modern, Casa J at Chachalaka is also Eco-smart. Someone said it's like "Wright and Barragan" met at the beach. I would agree. That was my intent when I designed the house.

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.

Things are growing at Chachalaka

As construction progresses on Casa J at Chachalaka, the setting is becoming even more impressive. The ocean, beach and sky are always framed in the awesome views. I like this image of re-bar rising in the air waiting to be tied into forms, and the delicate winter flowers on one of the wonderful trees at Chachalaka.

Construction started at Chachalaka Mexico

A very unique house is now in construction at Chachalaka on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Casa J sits on a site overlooking the ocean, with sweeping vistas of pristine unspoiled beach. It is modern, blue/green, and the first house on this amazing private parcel of land.

Who's looking at who?

While China looks at us, we should be looking at China. A trip to China is an eye opener as to why they are a formidable competitor on a global scale. They are smart, creative, and above all, highly motivated. Their infrastructure is modern, state of the art. New airports, highways, rapid transit, and world class architecture. Many in western cultures are still thinking cold war economics. Time to change.

Which way to go?

This sign on a rural road in Eastern Washington State, USA seems to suggest in the photograph, two very different sides, left or right. Not unlike the politics in the US today. However, I like to just think of it as choices of where we choose to be. We have many.

Adventures in Bhutan

Bhutan offers some of the best trekking in the world. The snowman trek takes you through the highest passes and into the most remote regions. This photo clearly shows the ups and the downs of this pass at around 14,000 feet. We paused for a rest, and to let the Yaks pass.

Designing first house at Chachalaka

The basic design and footprint is established for the first house at Chachalaka on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The house will have sweeping views of the ocean and beach. The design is open and like a gallery with many openings to the vistas towards the south and west. Natures art.

Building with natural materials

A simple rustic palapa at Chachalaka made by hand from nature. There are different styles of palapa construction. The principle difference being the type of palm leaves that are used. This is the most basic for a structure that is to serve as interim shelter during construction of a home.

Beautiful Functional Art

A very talented friend, Jason Brown, creates amazing designs for home and table inspired by traditional artisans from around the world. Shown are a two very different table runners. Jason's art is part industrial design and part craftsmanship. You can see more at studiojasonbrown.com

Nature's design at Chachalaka Beach

Early morning light, sculpted sand, and a lone bird on the beach. The beach and land at Chachalaka on the Pacific Coast of Mexico provide a gallery of colors, textures and patterns.