Osa’s Cascadas del Mar has a ‘no stone turned’ approach to rain forest development.

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is one of the countries most underdeveloped and pure regions. It has been described by National Geographic as “the most biologically-intense place on Earth”. It is hard to get to but well worth it once you manage. It is known for secluded beaches, sport-fishing, surfing, hiking, rafting and whale-watching, however, it will soon be known as home to one of Costa Rica’s most environmentally conscience luxury real estate communities; Cascadas Del Mar.

Cascadas Del Mar (meaning Waterfalls from the Sea) broke ground this month in the emerald-green Costa Rican rainforest. The luxury residential community plans to provide resort-like amenities, private beaches, ocean views, natural-spring waters and crystal clear tributaries for potential real estate owners. Phase one of the plan will be in the rain forest and will feature panoramic tree top views from the spacious homes as well as a built-in 200 foot waterfall.

The development will rest above the “Tail of the Whale” located inside Ballena (Whale) National Marine Park. It is no wonder why real estate developers have begun to set their eye on the area as it’s beauty and natural wonders are unsurpassed. The Coral Reefs in this area have coincidentally been formed over time to resemble the shape of a whale’s tale which is appropriate considering this is the place where whales from all around the world come to mate; a truly one of a kind location for a future residential community.

One of the biggest challenges in making this project into the one-of-a-kind development that it’s creators hope for, is preserving the breathtaking natural surrounding during construction. This is why Cascadas Del Mar researched options before actual plans for development were drafted. CEO and President of Cascadas Del Mar, Joseph L. Flores, explained his concern in developing in the legendary Costa Rican rain forest stating “I looked at Paradise, and thought - how do you protect and respect what you have. Not cut up and destroy the land”. The developers as well as the architects plan to maintain the pristine environment surrounding the recreational condominiums and penthouses by working closely with Costa Rican officials and powerful teams of environmental experts.

Flores and his investors have also decided not to knock down a single tree. This means that they will only build on grassy areas. They plan to create walkways and massage gazebos along lush waterfalls, creeks, and rivers between the various structures. Since the grassy areas aren’t as available as the forested areas are, finding available building space presented a spatial and design challenge. Architects overcame the obstacle by deciding to build up and not out. This will allow them to make as small of a footprint as possible on the land.

Flores explains that “all the buildings are one-story units from the profile view, each unit touches the dirt a little bit – but the vast majority are situated on top of each other creatively to result in a visually stunning image while protecting and healing the rain forest”. This means that the buildings will be set on a slope, with the roof of one unit providing the foundation for the other in order to impact the land as little as possible.

There is talk about a future international airport opening in the Osa Peninsula in just a matter of years so tourism, real estate ventures and other developments in this region will soon be increasing greatly. It is with this in mind that Cascadas Del Mar has begun working with government agencies to help future developers understand how to follow the same pattern of environmental protection in order to help preserve the natural surroundings of this beautiful region.

Flores said that Cascadas Del Mar fully realizes “the environmental concerns of the local government, Costa Rican citizens, and buyers who seek to experience the beauty of this region without disturbing its appeal for future generations”. Let‘s just hope that they as well as future developers follow and reach this goal so that Costa Rica will be able to preserve such remarkable beauty that is characterized most by its remoteness. It will be a hard task, but perhaps the next generation of Costa Rica Real Estate developers realize that the perserving the very thing that attracts people to the country is essential for the future of everyone.

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Filed under: Business on June 25th, 2008