Sense and Sustainability in Architecture

As a semi retired, and therefore footloose Architect, I have lately been designing a series of small houses as a response to the obvious need for a simplification and downsizing toward more affordable dwellings.

These houses vary in floor area from 450 square feet-one bedroom to 1,600-four bedroom versions and are designed within numerous architectural styles. The focus is “Small in Size, Grand in Character.” The “Character” bit is in response to a gut feeling that the women folk, everywhere, just might be somewhat non-plussed by what contemporary architects call “sustainable” residential design.

These contemporary designers fall primarily into two schools of thought. Some profess the “Shockitecture” idiom, while others are adherents of the more traditional modern “Boxitecture” philosophy. Although both schools are absolutely enraged with each other in a mad dash to gain Architectural Nirvana, they both do adhere to a common tenant. This common thread is an almost absolute denial of any resemblance to something in architecture which was, once upon a time, called “beauty.”

Sorry guys (and gals too) these computer aided abominations are flat-out Butt Ugly and momma knows it. Maybe it is time for a little history lesson (Maybeck, Gill, Voysey, Ashbee) and a small amount of common sense to pervade the ranks of today’s “Style Setters.”

With an altered design direction which now includes an edifice that Mom can actually call “Home,” the next step is to get it built. Thank the Almighty! I am in Costa Rica, where there is actually a smidgen of “common sense” within the zoning and building permit process. If I was still in the Northern climes, it would be a year later and still no planning permission, since the morons at city hall are still acting to the same script as before, when there actually were more than three permit requests for a staff of twenty.

So, after gaining permission, the next thing the homeowner usually says is: “I would like to help in order to save costs.” As for “Do it yourself,” I have come to the conclusion (after fifty years of hard knocks) that it is much preferable to interact with professionals (i.e. experienced) than to waste time and energy attempting to teach amateurs.

Additionally, until things get much worse within existing markets, it is sensible (there is that word again) to continue working within the local tradition of materials and techniques. Even though the corrugated steel roofing may come from Brazil, it is still longer lasting than the thatch from across the road. In a matter of fact, I am getting ready to build a polystyrene foam structure as a proof of concept for use locally. My friend and superb Architect Donald Grieb pioneered the system over forty years ago but he was too far ahead of the pack for the recognition that he so justly deserves.

How is a foam building “sustainable,” you say? As far as I am concerned, sustainable is that which keeps the rain out, does not fall down, and is affordable at the time of construction. All the rest of “sustainable,” “green,” “LEED,” Etc. is primarily a lot of B.S. spread thickly by those seeking to squeeze out the competition. The most sustainable house in the USA twenty years from now will probably be a large derelict SUV set up on blocks with a family of four in occupancy. The best guess is it will be a Japanese SUV.

The drawings included here are of a foam house I designed that a friend plans to build in the area. The building is fully plastered and is indistinguishable from a concrete block or wood frame building, although this one will be stronger, impervious to rot and mildew, bug resistant, earthquake resistant, moisture proof, sound and thermally insulated, at a comparable cost to other systems.

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Written by VIP Members Larry and Cindy Windes. Larry is a retired architect who has designed and built projects in dozens of countries around the world and Cindy was a computer teacher and administrator for a semi-conductor design center and they both now live in Costa Rica.

Should you want to build this specific type of a home in this specific area of Costa Rica and require the services of a Costa Rican architect,

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.