I find nothing ’sustainable’ about this or ‘green’. I think the copying of indigenous housing types and providing it to jet-traveling, business moguls is not in any way sustainable. Further, placing objects in nature does not make it ‘green’ or ’sustainable’. The way these words are being used they have the same value as ‘electrolytes’. A sustainable revolution should not take place in marginalized regions of the world but in high density urban regions where small gains in efficiency multiplied millions of times translate into large cuts in energy use. Furthermore, second homes are not sustainable. Lets not render our sustainable future to the taboo housing types or high-minded eco-fashion. Turning your TV off when you aren’t watching is so much more effective.

We would encourage you all to read the development guidelines if you are unsure of just how serious the hogan’s ar about building a world-class ecovillage. You will find that there is much more than just a ‘vision statement’, and that there are several policies owners must follow — all of which are designed specifically to ensure our environmental footprint remains as small as possible. This alone is something that virtually all North American developments fail to do. On top of that, the environmental review board does take its job seriously and, even though the guidelines technically allow for large dwellings, that is only a result of each lot being very large. The percentage of allowable built-out space is just a small fraction of what most comparable developments allow. On top of that,the likelihood of any owner in the finca building a 10,000 sq.ft McMansion is actually very low as all of us are deeply committed to sustainability. Most houses will be in the 500-2000 sq.ft range spread out over the forest. Even a 2000 sq.ft house in the middle of your property would virtually disappear in the dense rainforest.

As for accessibility options, the basecamp IS being designed to accommodate handicapped and elderly folks. Mind you, it may not be the destination of choice for old people — but that’s no different than saying that single people might not like attending a ‘couples only’ event — that’s just life. Beyond the basecamp, it’s the choice of individual owners how accessible they wish to make their homes.

The whole thing is very exciting and I hope all of you get to come and visit sometime to see for yourselves.

Kevin.

A couple of specifics: I have yet to see, anywhere in the world, a tree house larger than 6000 sq ft. And that includes the $7 million dollar Anwick Castle….something I doubt will ever be repeated, especially in a dense rain forest. So the comments above about the possibility of a 24,000 sq ft Xanadu are hardly realistic, even if the board would lose their minds and approve this (which they wouldn’t).

A good deal of the property is being set aside as green space/community space, so the estimate of 150 units is also high. Paving? The hogans wouldn’t even allow a current dirt road to we widened recently because they felt it would cause to much negative impact on the environment. Trees may only be cut down (with approval) in the area of the property that were replanted…not in the old growth areas at all. Wood cut from this farm area would be used to build structures on the the property (such as zip line platforms)

Regarding the trees, my understanding is no drilling is allowed in old growth trees…that means no garnier limbs, no bolts etc. There are a number of suspension methods that allow for growth and don’t harm the trees. I think some owners are considering stilt structures in combination with small tree dwellings, which would also minimize impact on the trees.

I hope this helps! It truly is an amazing place and I believe strongly that it is in the right hands,