Calling all Earthlings… Anyone interested in buying a parcel to build an earthen home in an earthen neighborhood in Costa Rica with other earth builders?

WHAT IS LA VILLA DE ARCILLA & WHERE IS IT LOCATED?

La Villa De Arcilla (“The Village of Clay”) is a 13-hectare (32-acre) earthen eco-community located on fertile farmland with a seasonal creek in Villarreal, Guanacaste–a dry tropical forest in Costa Rica with lots of nice, sunny weather–a perfect location for building with earth, creating permaculture gardens, orchards, and food forests. Although the community is situated in a very tranquil and undeveloped part of town loaded with wildlife, it’s just a few minutes drive (or a 10-15 minute walk) to / from the central plaza of Villarreal and 3 kilometers / 2 miles (which is an 8-minute drive or a half-hour bicycle ride) to / from Tamarindo Beach–the largest developed beach town in Guanacaste and one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in all of Costa Rica. It’s famous for its world-class surfing, where the cult classic surf movie Endless Summer was filmed. It’s a hub for numerous excursions and almost every activity you can imagine, close to many other pristine and stunningly picturesque beaches with nice warm water along the Pacific coast, known as the “Gold Coast” due to all the golden sand. This Mecca of international ecotourism is loaded with shops, restaurants, friendly, laid-back people, and is known for its incredible sunsets and vibrant nightlife–a perfect place for relaxation as well as adventure. To be clear, La Villa de Arcilla is neither a commune nor a cult but an intentional neighborhood with like-minded nature-loving people who are interested in forming an alliance and working towards the creation of an incredible and inspiring model.

Click here to view the location of the community on Google Maps…

WHY BUILD WITH EARTH?

Most local buildings are constructed with cinderblock walls and uninsulated metal roofs that have a high carbon footprint and function like solar ovens that overheat during the day and hold the heat all through the night resulting in either miserably hot dwellings or an over-dependence on air conditioning, which not only costs a lot for electricity but overtaxes the electrical grid resulting in frequent power outages, and emits ozone-depleting freon / HCFCs / CFCs that are unhealthy to breathe and unhealthy for the environment. Concrete, cinder blocks, steel & other dense heat-retaining materials have become the norm despite the expense, the excessive amount of energy and pollution to mine, produce, and transport, and the fact that they are completely inappropriate for a tropical climate. The other main alternative is wood, which is more charming but also expensive, contributes to massive deforestation, is susceptible to fire (especially in Guanacaste), serves as food & housing for insects, and is prone / subject to rot, cracking, etc. Besides being very uncomfortable to live in, these typically ugly, inefficient, overpriced, debt-creating, impersonal, boring, box-like dwellings are directly responsible for impoverishing the people, creating a shortage of affordable housing, as well as a visual blight on the landscape. Though labor costs are very cheap in Costa Rica, most store-bought building materials are expensive due to taxes, transportation costs, fees to import them, high demand yet limited supply, etc., therefore the less building supplies one has to buy, the better.

Though our culture tends to view it merely as dirt, earth is an extraordinary substance that happens to be the most abundant, inexpensive, and ecological building material in the world–a strong, durable, and exceedingly versatile, sculptable, renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, non-allergenic, energy-efficient material that insulates thermally, acoustically, electrically, and electromagnetically, keeping us safe and comfortable in all climates. It’s resistant to fires, earthquakes, lightning, tempests, vermin, termites & other bugs, bullets, mildew, rust, rot, salts, acid rain, and other plagues. It can be fashioned into any shape, given any texture, and colored in a rainbow of hues. It doesn’t require much specialized training or skills, nor expensive, dangerous, and noisy power tools, therefore no noise pollution to disturb the serenity of neighbors and wildlife. Building with it is actually safe, simple, therapeutic, and fun–like building a sandcastle but way more permanent. The material is so non-hazardous, even kids could work with it barefoot without any protective equipment. It’s so nontoxic that, if you smeared it on your skin or ate it, it would actually help detoxify your body and improve your health. [Disclaimer-That statement has not been approved by the FDA but consuming food-grade clay and fiber is well known to have health benefits.] Though building supply stores don’t sell this incredibly useful yet way under-appreciated and under-utilized (except by animals that know to use it instinctually) building material, it’s easy to find everywhere and absolutely free of charge. Just look down, our planet was named after it! Can you imagine living in an eco-community where all of the homes are built primarily with the earth found onsite and are as unique and colorful as the individuals living within?

By reintroducing a traditional earthen building technology that was once very common here (and around the world), and subsequent devaluation of indigenous wisdom, we wish to showcase just how beautiful, unique, practical, safe, durable, nontoxic, comfortable, & economically homes can be built. We hope to encourage & empower people to build their own dream homes in a modern, environmentally-friendly, artful way, thus reducing or eliminating their single biggest source of debt, while setting a beautiful example of how to solve the housing crisis & other social ills stemming from lousy, profit-driven house and community design.

An additional benefit of building with earth is that in the process of excavating it, onsite pools, ponds, lakes, and canals could be created, creating a respite from the heat, providing cool breezes, drawing and sustaining wildlife, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape, recharging the ground water, canoeing / kayaking, aquaculture, etc. In a world where the fish are often toxic, harvested unsustainably and rapidly disappearing, raising them oneself could provide a steady food source as well as nutrient-rich water for irrigating the garden.

DON’T KNOW HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE WITH EARTH?

No worries, we’ve got you covered… in mud!

Help is available with design, construction, finding laborers, and navigating the building code process. There are regular workshops given to teach the necessary skills to help our fellow nature lovers and dreamers minimize their dependence on money and toxic products while maximizing their quality of life and ability to survive by getting back in touch with Mother Nature so, with a little exercise of the body and mind, they can provide for their own needs in a beautiful, ecological, sustainable, and affordable way. In a world trapped and drowning in debt, the knowledge of how to be architecturally self-sufficient by building and maintaining structures using one’s own bare hands and feet may be the most empowering and invaluable thing people can learn.

WHY COSTA RICA?

What better place for a model earthen eco-village full of environmentally conscious people than a friendly, peaceful, gorgeous country like Costa Rica that values its natural environment and hosts a thriving eco-tourism industry?

Stunning Natural Beauty

Our eco-village offers a unique opportunity to embrace sustainable living while enjoying the beauty of nature. Imagine waking up every day in your hand-sculpted earthen home with breathtaking views of lush tropical landscapes rich in biodiversity, close to an awesome pristine beach with vibrant sunsets. Tamarindo’s unique blend of ocean and jungle provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and wildlife watching. Why not live a life you don’t need a vacation from–one that feels like a never-ending vacation? One with monkeys…

Protected from over-development

There are no private beaches in Costa Rica–they are all open to the public. “Costa Rica has designated almost 28% of its entire land area as protected land, almost half of which is organized into various national parks. Costa Rica is a land rich in animal and plant life, with an estimated 5% of the world’s biodiversity found within its borders. In fact, with more than 600 wildlife species every 10,000 square kilometers, Costa Rica is considered to be the 4th most biodiverse country in the world per square kilometer, surpassed only by Brunei, Belize and El Salvador.” https://ticotravel.com/costa-rica-protected-land/

Ideal Climate 

Tamarindo boasts a warm tropical climate that is perfect for year-round outdoor living. With an average temperature ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C), residents can enjoy sunny days and pleasant evenings. The dry season runs from December to April, making it an ideal time for beach activities and exploring the surrounding areas. Most of the time you won’t need a jacket and you’ll never need to shovel snow.

Politically stable government

The Costa Rican culture is very peaceful, there is minimal violent crime, the government isn’t warmongering nor imperialistic, and doesn’t waste tax money on murdering people with drones. In fact, they actually went so far as to abolish their own military and haven’t had one since 1948–it’s even forbidden by their constitution. Since then, the government has focused on diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution rather than military engagement, and the money they save on sustaining a military allows for increased investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Thriving Community 

In stark contrast to many places where the native population is hostile to foreigners, Costa Ricans are super-friendly and welcoming. “Pura vida” (translated as “pure life”) is a very common expression representing an entire way of experiencing life that embodies the essence of Costa Rican culture–a philosophy that promotes positivity, community spirit, appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, prioritizes well-being and joy over material concerns, and has become synonymous with the country itself. No wonder Costa Rica is consistently ranked as one of the happiest nations on Earth. The beach town of Tamarindo is diverse, child-friendly, and comprised of locals, expats, and travelers from around the world. This warm atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging and provides numerous opportunities for socializing and networking. Whether you’re looking to make new friends or connect with like-minded individuals, Tamarindo’s community spirit will make you feel at home. Don’t speak Spanish? ¡No problemo! English is widely spoken in Costa Rica, especially In Tamarindo.

Healthy living

The warm climate, relaxed atmosphere, active lifestyle opportunities, accessible healthy food options, and a beach full of “Vitamin Sea” makes Costa Rica an ideal location for healthy living, drawing many health conscious people from all over the world. Costa Rica is a fruit lovers paradise. Thanks to the tropical climate, fertile soil, consistent temperatures, and ample rainfall, conditions are ideal for growing fruit and there is an enormous assortment of delicious and nutritious fruits produced year-round, both cultivated and uncultivated / wild. If ever there is a global food shortage, it definitely won’t be in Costa Rica. This climate allows for the cultivation of both common and exotic fruits, making this “fruitopia” an attractive destination for fruit enthusiasts. Perhaps, in addition to the care-free lifestyle and exercise, all the fruit growing wild here is a big reason why life expectancies are so long. Thankfully, growing GMOs has been ruled unconstitutional because the patented trade secrets violate the Costa Ricans’ right to freedom of information as well as their right to a healthy environment.

Healthcare

Costa Rica is known for its socialized medicine–a universal system that provides comprehensive medical coverage insuring access to affordable healthcare services. The doctors receive thorough training through established institutions and regulatory bodies ensuring high standards of education and practice. Costa Rica stands out as a leading destination for medical tourism due to its combination of affordable healthcare options, high-quality services provided by well-trained professionals, ease of access from North America, and the opportunity for patients to enjoy a vacation-like experience while receiving treatment. “According to The United Nations, Costa Rica ranks in first place in Latin America for the development of curative and preventative diseases. And the World Health Organization (WHO) has Costa Rica placed higher for health services than that of the US.”  http://ticotimes.com/costa-rica/alternative-herbal-medicine-holistic-fraud

Access to Amenities

Despite its small-town charm, the Tamarindo area offers many modern amenities that make life comfortable and convenient. Within a few kilometers, there are numerous supermarkets, restaurants, schools, hardware stores, shops, hotels, medical, dental & veterinary clinics, pharmacies, banks, golf courses, cinema, post office, gas station, small airport, etc., and the Liberia International Airport is only ~45 minutes away. Public transportation is very inexpensive and, because almost everything you need is within walking or biking distance, you’ll never be dependent upon owning, maintaining, and operating a car, potentially saving you a small fortune in the long run and benefitting the environment. Does a plentiful assortment of delicious tropical fruit count as an amenity? (It should because it’s one of our favorite things about Costa Rica!)

Clean green energy

Costa Rica is recognized globally for its commitment to clean green energy, with an overwhelming majority of its electricity coming from clean, green, renewable sources such as hydropower and geothermal power. The country has made significant strides in achieving sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy usage. As of 2020, Costa Rica generated approximately 99.78% of its electricity from renewable resources!

Investment Opportunities 

Tamarindo is not only a beautiful place to live but also an attractive destination for real estate investment. The growing popularity of this coastal town has led to increased property values over time, making it a smart choice for those looking to invest in vacation rentals or second homes. An additional perk is that, according to Costa Rican law, anyone who invests a minimum of $150,000 on property there automatically qualifies for residency.

HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS OF LA VILLA DE ARCILLA TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT THE TERRAIN LOOKS LIKE…

FINAL COMMENTARY…

Once upon a time, people helped each other build, a joint effort that united the community, provided jobs for everyone, and instilled a sense of pride, accomplishment, freedom, and brotherhood. Today most of us have been deprived of such a way of life, and the price to buy or rent even a “low cost” habitation has skyrocketed, while housing shortages, homelessness, poverty, and oppression have become epidemic. It’s hard to imagine that one of our most fundamental birthrights—of building our own shelters—has practically been forfeited and owning our dream home has become a luxury only for the wealthy. The rest of us are typically mistreated like cattle, herded and housed in some ugly, poor quality, unsafe, high maintenance, costly to heat and cool, ecologically and aesthetically polluting, mass produced, prefabricated, plastic, tin can, or paper walled and wallpapered box about as individualized as a Big Mac with extra cheese. And this, complete with expensive and perpetual monthly interest-bearing mortgage or rent payments to enslave us for our entire lives. Why should humans be the only animals subservient to bankers and landlords? Are we really too stupid and domesticated to build our own nests using the materials nature provides, like the rest of the animal kingdom?

Even if we already have the know-how to use conventional materials, imagine what would happen if we could no longer buy building materials because our paper dollars were suddenly deemed valueless thanks to corrupt governments and banking institutions, as has already happened many times throughout history. That’s one of the best things about building with earth–neither bank loans nor money are necessary, as demonstrated by the fact that people have been building with earth long before money was invented. It’s quick and simple to learn, and perfect for the warm climate of Guanacaste. With modern tools, the building process could be mechanized, making it easier and quicker to build with earth than ever before. If animals are smart enough to use the earth for building their dwellings, surely we are too.

By creating a village using locally available materials, simple technologies, and minimizing dependency on fossil fuels and money, my hope is that this model community will help get our species back on track by setting an exquisite example of how people can ease, if not eliminate, economic hardship by mutually providing for their own needs. If we can harvest our own water, food, and custom build our own debt-free homes, we could not only survive but prosper even in the event of an economic and / or governmental collapse and live happily ever after…

Who wants to be a part of this architectural revolution?

*PARCELS FOR SALE *

Most lots have been subdivided into 5000-meter (~1.25-acre) parcels starting at $150,000 USD, which happens to be the minimum amount that one would have to invest to automatically qualify them (and their family) to obtain an “Investor Visa” for legal residency. The prices will go up once they are hooked up with electricity, water, and fiber optic cables but, for now, the option remains for every buyer to decide for themselves whether or not they wish to remain off-the-grid. The electric lines are already fairly close and one only has to dig / drill less than 10-meters (~33 feet) to find water if one prefers not to use the chlorinated water provided by the water company. So why not invest your paper money now before it loses all its value and buy some good fertile land while you still can?

CONTACT INFO

If this earthen eco-village sounds appealing, resonates with you, and you might be interested in joining, please contact Jamey Scott Breinberg for more information:

pyramidiotsavant@yahoo.com