building - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T14:04:31Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/buildingCool Designs for Tropical Homes in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/cool-designs-for-tropical-homes-in-costa-rica2016-05-04T20:14:03.000Z2016-05-04T20:14:03.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009044701,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="700" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009044701,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009044701?profile=original" /></a>Building a new home is an exciting venture. When you are <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/want-unique-eco-community-costa-rica-property-investment/" target="_blank">building a new home in Costa Rica</a>, it is even more thrilling! And there are so many innovative possibilities with tropical architecture design.</p><p>Costa Rican architect Richard Muller, head of the firm <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/RM-Arquitectura-e-Ingenier%C3%ADa-SA/119443591414016" target="_blank">RM Architecture & Engineering</a>, has been designing and building innovative tropical architecture in Costa Rica for more than 35 years. One of his favorite spots for home building is at the Costa Rica eco-development <a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a>. The extraordinary sustainable residential development is located in the rainforest by the sea on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast just south of Manuel Antonio National Park – named a <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches" target="_blank">best beach in the world for 2016</a>.</p><p><span class="font-size-3"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009065067,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="700" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009065067,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009065067?profile=original" /></a>Six cool designs for tropical architecture that will make you want to build a home in Costa Rica</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><b>1. Build the house on stilts.</b> Not only does this allow you to avoid massive insect issues and humidity, by elevating the house you get better air flow. Lighter structures up on stilts interfere as little as possible with the natural terrain. Animals can still walk underneath, and you’re not destroying trees and nature by flattening out a huge piece of land with a bulldozer. “We try to save every single tree that is possible. If we can cut zero trees, we cut zero trees. We touch as little as possible of nature,” said Muller. “You want to build appropriate to the location so you can really live the experience of being in the tropical rainforest.”</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009064882,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009064882,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009064882?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>2. Use a steel structure and concrete bases</b> for strength in a humid, insect-infested environment in the tropical rainforest. Wood can be used in the home, such as in ceilings, cabinetry, etc., but must be treated against insect invasion. An innovative idea for flooring: processed bamboo.</p><p> </p><p><b>3. Design for natural ventilation.</b> You want to bring the outdoors in and the indoors out. This means lots of open spaces, cross-ventilation, high ceilings, using screens and fans so you can minimize air-conditioning use and yet keep comfortable.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296613489,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296613489,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296613489?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>4. Protect against the elements.</b> Design large overhangs and covered outdoor areas for sun and rain protection. Use gutters and downspouts, and other measures to reduce water drainage speed for soil erosion.</p><p> </p><p><b>5. Small swimming pools.</b> For an elevated house, you want to keep your pool on the small size because of the weight. The upside is with an elevated pool, you have fantastic infinity edge designs.</p><p> </p><p><b>6. Sustainable architecture.</b> Concepts include: solar energy for hot water and electricity; individual home sewage treatment plants; rainwater harvesting for landscaping; and re-using gray water to run toilets.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009066290,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009066290,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009066290?profile=original" /></a> </p><p>If you’re ready to <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/shockingly-easy-ways-buy-rainforest-property-costa-rica/" target="_blank">buy a vacation home in Costa Rica</a>, or a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/move-to-costa-rica/" target="_blank">new place to live</a> in one of the <a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/best-comfortable-retirement" target="_blank">best countries to retire</a>, find out the easy steps to buy property in Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living and build your dream home in Costa Rica.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Helpful tips for building in Costa Rica’s tropical climatehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/helpful-tips-for-building-in-costa-rica-s-tropical-climate2015-10-22T19:35:09.000Z2015-10-22T19:35:09.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296607059,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296607059,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9296607059?profile=original" /></a>Building in Costa Rica</b> is very different from North America and most of Europe. Located between 9 and 11 degrees latitude above the equator, <b>Costa Rica’s tropical climate</b> comes with its own special considerations.</p><p>There are four constants in Costa Rica: <b>sun, rain, wind, and … more sun, rain and wind!</b> Unlike Northern Hemisphere homes designed for freeze-thaw cycles, <b>Costa Rica’s eternal tropical climate deals mostly with varying levels of humidity.</b> Then there is all of that <b>amazing tropical biodiversity</b> – think: termites, ants, beetles and millions of other insects. Of course, being bisected from top to bottom by a chain of volcanoes, and sitting on top of shifting tectonic plates makes for a great deal of <b>seismic activity</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952687,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952687,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008952687?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Here are some <b>top points for building a home in Costa Rica</b>. The country’s microclimates vary greatly depending on location; these tips are focused on the Central Valley area, specifically in <a href="http://costarica.com/atenas/" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica</a>. Learn all about Atenas in this super handy <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/articles/193-all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-atenas-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">guide to living in Atenas</a> from Costa Rica realtors <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank">Pure Life Development of Atenas</a>.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Construction in Costa Rica typically uses cement cinder block, because it fares better with high humidity and reduces the risk of termite infestation compared to wood. Homes built mostly with wood also require higher maintenance with a humid climate.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009000857,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009000857,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009000857?profile=original" /></a></li></ul><ul><li>Steel framing lasts longer than wood, but must be galvanized steel or have several coats of anti-corrosive lead paint.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296607076,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296607076,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296607076?profile=original" /></a></li></ul><ul><li>No need for insulation or central heating. In hot tropical Costa Rica, you don’t want heat trapped in your house, and you definitely don’t need a heater! </li></ul><ul><li>Use drywall sparingly. High moisture levels in Costa Rica lead to mold with drywall. Interior finishes that withstand high humidity include high-gloss paint, concrete, stone, and treated hardwoods. However, add realtors Easters and Gonzalez, this is a tropical country, so mold will grow, period!</li></ul><ul><li>Ceramic tile floors keep your home cool, don’t suck up humidity like carpet, and are easy to clean.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001453,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001453,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009001453?profile=original" /></a></li></ul><ul><li>Cross-ventilation for air flow is the key. Tropical homes use breezeways, French doors and lots of windows to keep air circulating for cooler temperatures and to evaporate moisture. Be sure to have screens and screen doors to prevent bugs from entering your home at dusk, and at the time of year right after the first rains when they suddenly populate by the millions. Houses also should include ceiling fans for additional cooling and air flow.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001674,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001674,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009001674?profile=original" /></a></li></ul><ul><li>Cool your house with lots of shade. Extended roof eaves, wrap-around porches and plenty of plants create natural shade and are ideal for tropical living.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001871,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001871,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009001871?profile=original" /></a></li></ul><ul><li>Swimming pools can be built with concrete and beautifully tiled – for a much lower cost than in the USA. Or the latest trend is pre-fabricated fiberglass pools, which are low-maintenance and flexible – perfect for a seismic country like Costa Rica.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296606497,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296606497,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296606497?profile=original" /></a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.puravidasunsets.com/green-building/" target="_blank">Eco-construction options in Costa Rica</a>: use sustainable woods like teak; roof tiles made from recycled plastic banana bags that look like terracotta tiles; solar power and especially solar hot water heaters.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009002691,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009002691,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009002691?profile=original" /></a></li></ul><ul><li>Traditional Costa Rican construction is solid. The foundation, walls and roof are all tied together with rebar and concrete with seismic plates for better stability. </li></ul><ul><li>Whole-house voltage surge protection is a valuable investment to prevent high-tech electronics and appliances from being easily damaged during electrical storms.</li></ul><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009002486,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009002486,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009002486?profile=original" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-land-and-farms-for-sale" target="_blank">Build a custom home in Atenas, Costa Rica</a> </p><p>With an ideal location, <b>Atenas, Costa Rica</b> offers everything for a comfortable tropical life. Atenas is <b>located between the</b> <b>capital city of San Jose</b> and <b>Pacific Coast beaches</b>. Atenas claims it has the <b>“<a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/articles/163-does-atenas-costa-rica-have-the-best-climate" target="_blank">Best Climate in the World</a>;”</b> while that may or may not be true, Atenas’ elevation from 2,200 to 4,000 feet and its many ridges and valleys give the town a <b>moderate climate</b>.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009003258,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009003258,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009003258?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/about-us" target="_blank">Atenas Costa Rica realtors</a>, Dennis Easters and Gerardo Gonzalez Porras, have been successfully helping customers <b>buy <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-homes-for-rental-and-sale" target="_blank">homes for sale in Atenas Costa Rica</a>,</b> and do <b>home construction in Costa Rica</b> for 10 years. Call or email them today to discuss your Atenas Costa Rica real estate needs.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>