Many people believe that we must focus more on green building in Costa Rica. It seems natural that with Costa Rica’s focus on ecotourism and it’s growing respect for the environment that we should embrace such a concept.

As education and availability of resources are becoming more widespread, several developments — both large and small — as well as single home construction — are sprouting up with a focus on green building.

What Is Green Construction?

We are not going to start at square one discussing carbon dioxide and global warming, but rather approach this from a realistic perspective, with your home.

An agent of my company recently completed a Green Designation Course for real estate with NAR (National Association of Realtors), which has been very applicable as more buyers inquire with these ideals, and more homes and developments cater to them.

Things to consider to make your home and living in it “green” are location, size, design, materials, insulation, energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, and landscaping. Although you don’t need to take all of these to the extreme, tweaking even half of them can make a big difference.

Location is relevant to be in walking distance of everyday visits, size is to be considered for consumption, and design can be developed to maximize natural daylight to be useful, rather than harmful, including solar panels.

Materials, furnishings, paints, and finishes that are nontoxic are a healthy green choice — specifically renewable sources such as bamboo — and will help indoor air quality.

Using insulation from natural materials such as soybean or cotton with a high R factor and checking for window and door air leaks will help. Using energy efficient appliances for energy and water, or even a rainwater collection system, will make a big difference. Landscaping is not to be overlooked, as utilizing drought-tolerant plants and rock, as well as zero-scaping are all effective.

Why Go Green?

For The Environment:

• Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
• Improve air and water quality
• Reduce solid waste
• Conserve natural resources

Your Economic Rewards:

• Reduce operating costs
• Enhance asset value and profits
• Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Health & Community Benefits:

• Improve air, thermal, and acoustic environments
• Enhance occupant comfort and health
• Minimize strain on local infrastructure
• Contribute to overall quality of life

More and more developments, resorts, and single family homes of new construction are focusing on appealing to this rapidly growing request of Green Building, taking one’s eco-friendly Costa Rican adventure to the next level.

One such home in Playa Tamarindo focuses on just that. From a 20 foot Bali style roof proudly showing it’s mature bamboo beams, to the use of earth friendly and recycled materials of steel, aluminum, concrete, and glass – Casa Ananda is a modern abode of comfort and luxury, while leaving on a small carbon footprint.

The home is situated in a quiet residential area of Tamarindo — walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the beach. Take a peek …

One feature you may not recognize in these photos, or even in person, are the materials used in construction and its energy efficiency. Casa Bamboo is comprised of two ISBU’s (Intermodel Steel Building Units) — refrigerated shipping containers getting a second life.

This is an ideal material for home construction in Costa Rica, as it is completely seismic proof, durable, recycled, well insulated, and affordable.

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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.