Our work in the design world is influenced as much by our time away as it is by our time studying or practicing architecture. My most recent foray into an experience so unlike my everyday was a family trip to Costa Rica. It was our kids’ first trip out of the country and proved to be memorable in so many ways. Since this is a blog post and not a book, I’m going to focus on a portion of our trip – a stay at Rancho Margot in the foothills of the rainforest near Arenal National Park.
Lookout view of Lake Arenal & Arenal Volcano
The ecosystem here is incredible – here a colony of leaf cutter ants busy at work in and around the ranch.
Knowing Costa Rica has a history of eco-tourism, we found Rancho Margot in the process of looking for an authentic experience in nature and culture that would also teach us first-hand about living sustainably. The resort is dedicated to the idea of being a permaculture community that is regenerating and educational, not just for its guests but also for its staff and volunteers (Yes, you can volunteer here for months at a time for free room and board!).
Farm buildings set in the foothills of the rainforest.
Vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers – it’s amazing how much diversity thrives in the gardens here!
According to the Permaculture Research Institute, “Permaculture integrates land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies – imitating the no waste, closed loop systems seen in diverse natural systems.”
Aside from the lush vegetation and wonderous sounds of tropical birds, we were all taken by the open-air nature of living in the rainforest. Yes, our bungalow had screens and could be closed up, but the reception, dining hall, kitchen, and common living rooms were pavilion-like, built of local materials with log framing and clay tile roofs that were being re-claimed by the jungle. My favorite outdoor room was our bungalow’s porch where you could read or relax in a hammock with a view to the surrounding sights and sounds. The hummingbirds were always putting on a show!
A series of paths lead to deep porches at each guest bungalow.
It’s hard to beat a quiet afternoon in the shade.
Whether you choose fresh fruit juice or cervesa, the pavilions are the perfect place to gather and beat the heat.
We filled our days with horseback rides, swimming, hiking, fishing, yoga, and of course, eating. Rancho Margot grows its own food and raises its own animals, which made the fresh spread at meal-time absolutely delightful (oh, and if you weren’t feeling well, you could ask the kitchen for a medicinal herb tea to settle your stomach). Friendly staff taught us about the flora and fauna – in the evening leading us on a night hike to see spiders, snakes, lizards, and frogs and during the day taking us on a tour of the farm to learn about plants and the ways the ranch operates in harmony with nature.
We all loved swimming in the natural pools. This one created within the river was perfect for cool relief in the heat of the day.
Saying hello to the baby chicks on the farm.
Our guide showing us the farm’s compost and fermentation process.
From big systems like farming, composting, solar hot water heating, hydroelectric power, and anerobic digestion to smaller things like homemade soap, hand-built furniture, and knowledge-sharing, our experience at Rancho Margot was unlike any other. I had previously learned about many of these functional systems while in architecture school, even specified some in projects, but hadn’t seen them all in action at one time.
A series of solar hot water heaters outside the laundry building.
The river provides the ranch’s primary source of electricity.
Anaerobic Digesters use microorganisms to break down waste and are a source of gas fuel.
Though seemingly small in the grand scheme of climate change, the practices at the ranch make a big impact. The staff and volunteers were noticeably proud of their contributions, and guests from around the world (I probably heard at least 5 different languages during our stay) return home with an everlasting imprint from their experience. We are so grateful we had the opportunity to travel to Rancho Margot and left renewed, hopeful, inspired and in awe. Pura Vida!
