WE vISION MASTER PLAN DESIGN SPACES FOR LIFE

Transcription

w e v is io n m a st e r p l a n
d e si gn spac e s f or l if e | vidade sign stu dio . co m
At the core of all VIDA’s work is the conviction that we can do this better. Land is a finite, non-renewable resource
that needs to be developed with long-term goals in mind – not just short-sighted returns. We’ve had centuries
of that already. Each project is our one chance to get it right. This is why we vision, master plan and design spaces
for life – spaces that remake the enduring connection between us, our communities and our habitats. Simple really.
w h y v i da | i n t r o duc tion | vidade sign stu dio.c om
And, it shows in everything we produce. Of course we use cutting-edge design, land analysis and documentation
technologies - but, at VIDA, great designs start with pen and paper. We still find the traditional art of drawing
invaluable for communicating ideas, solving design problems and creating beautiful, one-off detailing.
We love what we do. And, it shows.
w h y v i da | i n t roduc tion | vidade sign stu dio.c om
And so are we. This is why we design spaces that seek to balance creativity, sustainability and profitability.
Not one over the other. Not one without the other.
So we make each one count – with in-depth site analyses that enable our designers to understand, preserve and
enhance the spirit of a place. We spend time on-site learning the language of the place – its history, orientation,
vegetation, natural materials and landforms. We integrate innovative technologies when they’re called
for – and timeless construction methods when they’re not.
VIDA’s client base is both broad and global. Our team has extensive, proven international experience on
world-class projects with a focus on nature and hospitality-based escapes. But this is no ‘one-size-fits-all’.
Each project is a fusion of ideas and experiences, of vision and skills. You know your business, we know
ours – working together we can create something distinct. This open exchange of ideas is at the core of our
business – just ask the people we have worked with.
With studios in the Americas and Europe and projects in Europe, Asia, Central America and Australia, it would
be easy enough for us to keep our projects at arm’s-length; to only talk with our clients via email or phone, digital
documents and FTP sites, online and out-of-sight.
But, let's be honest, being onsite means getting the job done. Our ability to be there means VIDA is not only able
to service our diverse project needs, but also the needs of our clients and contractors to share their ideas, discuss
options and workshop solutions. Call us old-fashioned, but there's a lot to be said for a simple walk and talk on site.
matthew flynn
project experience
prior to vida
design director + partner
Experience has taught Matthew that nothing produces results like
the bringing together of great individuals, in-depth analysis, good
listening, outstanding design and hard work.
Matthew draws on 12 years of experience spanning four continents
and a dozen countries. His work focuses on creating sustainable
land-use solutions that balance creativity, sustainability and
profitability - not one over the other, not one without the other.
These are lofty ideals for a boy from rural Australia - no argument.
But, luckily, Matthew has the skills to back it up. He has extensive
experience in the design, management and implementation of
international projects and the proven ability to deliver world-class
results - often in isolated regions on challenging sites.
It also helps that he believes in what he's doing. All of his work
is underpinned by the conviction that we could do this better.
Matthew draws on his strong foundation in rural and natural
landscapes and his passion to incorporate regional materials and
construction methods to deliver original designs for international
resorts, nature-based communities, hotels, rural estates, private
residences and ecolodges. Truth be told, he designs the places he'd
like to be - if he ever took a break.
Prior to VIDA, Matthew was partner at 40NORTH and Managing
Director of their expansion into Central America, following five
years with EDSA in Beijing and Fort Lauderdale. Matthew is an avid
photographer and traveller and, when he's not working, he can be
found surfing on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica or at his family
farm near Laidley, Australia. Ask to see his photos.
•Hilton Hotel and Spa,
Luxor, Egypt*
•Private Island,
Dubai, UAE*
•Private Palace,
Dubai, UAE*
•The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Ecotourism Master Plan, Belize*
•Ario Ranch Sustainable Tourism Master Plan,
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica*
•Nihiwatu Resort Expansion Plan,
Sumba Island, Indonesia*
•Menjangan Resort Ecotourism Master Plan,
West Bali, Indonesia +
•Cross Waters Ecolodge,
Guangdong Province, China +
•Richmond Bay Ecolodge,
Richmond Bay, Dominica +
•Park Hyatt Hotel and Yacht Club,
Dubai, UAE +
•Madinat Jumeirah Resort,
Dubai, UAE +
* Completed while Managing Director of 40North, Costa Rica 2006-2010
+ Completed while Associate at EDSA, Fort Lauderdale and Beijing 2001- 2006
m e e t t h e t e am | vidade sign studio.c om
ana maria pinto
project experience
prior to vida
Ana is resourceful and creative in the way she renders both her
life and her work.
• Tranquility Gardens Conceptual Landscape Master Plan,
Osa Peninsula,Costa Rica*
You might also say she's VIDA's glue – Ana holds the team together.
She is integral in the day-to-day management of VIDA's busy design
studio: co-ordinating design workshops, managing VIDA's intern
program, making sure everyone gets paid and overseeing project
research and analysis.
• Avellanas Beach Community Master Plan, Avellanas, Costa Rica*
Ana is also responsible for interpreting VIDA’s clients’ visions
– skillfully creating a defined and unique style for each project;
reinterpreting the regional context, character and colours afresh.
Ana's passion for meaningful landscapes was initially sparked by her
family's flourishing nursery business. She now uses this passion to
inspire the design team and guide the graphic style of VIDA's projects drawing inspiration from the natural world, fashion, organic patterns,
trends in hospitality, contemporary design and new directions in design
and sustainable technologies; each element enriching the team's work –
developing a rich visual language for VIDA.
• Guacamaya Master Plan, Guanacaste, Costa Rica +
• St Regis Resort Punta Mita, Mexico +
• Fairmont Resort, Acapulco, Mexico +
• Porto Flamingo Master Plan, Guancaste, Costa Rica +
* Completed while Managing Director of AnaPinto Desings, Costa Rica 2007-2010
+ Completed while employed by EDSA, Fort Lauderdale 2005-2007
She completed her studies in Landscape Architecture at Louisiana
State University with opportunities to develop international experience
in tropical design following internships in Thailand, Dominician
Republic and Miami. As an emerging specialist in the field, Ana was
employed with EDSA as a Landscape Architect for projects in
Latin America.
When she's not working, Ana enjoys practicing yoga, travelling,
cooking, entertaining, photography and bushwalking in Australia's
parks and around the Flynn family farm.
project experience
prior to vida
philip adiutori
Leading VIDA's business development in Europe and the
Mediterranean basin, Philip is a Landscape Architect who
believes strongly in the proper management of our wild, urban
and agricultural landscapes and to balancing society's needs with
those of nature.
•C
astiglion del Bosco,
Montalcino, Italy *
He also believes that the best work evolves through the formation
of thoughtful, inter-disciplinary teams. Consequently, Philip's
professional, global network allows him to assemble great project
teams for his clients. His broad success is also due to the fact that he
allows the design process to be reinterpreted anew for each project there is no one-size-fits-all with Philip.
• I l Borgo, Villa Saletta,
Palaia, Italy *
Philip completed his Masters in Interdisciplinary Design for the
Built Environment from the University of Cambridge, UK, where
he focused his research on exploring alternative ways to visualize
our landscapes to create new ways of perceiving our environment,
while also improving the democratic process of land-use planning.
Raised in Northwest Pennsylvania, and having lived in Los Angeles,
Rome, Fort Lauderdale, Siena, Prague and now settling in
Florence, Italy his sense of culture is continuously expanding and
plays an important role in the evolution of his distinctive style.
Prior to joining the VIDA team, Philip was a partner at the
boutique landscape architecture and planning studio, FormaTerra,
based out of Florence, Italy. Previously, Philip worked with EDSA
Los Angeles for over 5 years where he managed large hospitality
projects and assumed a primary role in educating the firm on
sustainable design principles.
In his spare time, Philip takes lots of photographs, draws, snowboards,
surfs or lounges al'fresco at a cafe with friends and family.
•M
onticello Resort feasibility study,
Il Borro, Italy *
•C
astiglion del Bosco Master Plan,
Montalcino, Italy +
•P
ololu Eco Ranch, North Kahala,
Hawaii USA +
• The Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage renovation and expansion plan,
California USA +
• Turning Stone Resort expansion plan,
Verona, New York USA +
•T
ejon Ranch community,
Lebec, California USA +
•G
rand Wailea Resort expansion plan,
Maui Hawaii USA +
•L
a Quinta Resort renovation plan,
La Quinta, California USA +
•K
eaton Residence,
Pacific Palisades, California USA +
•P
rivate Residence,
Malibu, California USA +
* Completed while partner of FormaTerra with Marco Battaggia,
Italy 2007-2010
+C
ompleted while Senior Associate at EDSA in Santa Monica,
California USA 2002-2007
m e e t t h e t e am | vidade sign stu dio.c om
johnny gutierrez
project experience
prior to vida
project manager
Some people are hard to define. Take Johnny for instance. VIDA’s
resident music guru, Johnny brings over 15 years experience in
design and construction documentation for some of Costa Rica’s
most influential companies; including design development of
projects for architects, landscape architects and interior designers.
He is also an advanced student of civil engineering.
But, there’s more. As VIDA’s Studio Manager and Technical
Director, Johnny’s unique breadth of experience means that he also
brings expertise in site and topographical analysis which sees him
create development suitability models which form the basis for all
VIDA’s projects.
• Private Island, Dubai, UAE*
• Private Palace, Dubai, UAE*
• Xandu Resort, Belek, Turkey*
• Port Saeed Commerical Development, Dubai, UAE*
*C
ompleted while Technical Director
at 40NORTH, Costa Rica 2008-2010
If that’s not enough, he also coordinates the smooth sounds and
running of VIDA’s busy design studio, manages all aspects of
VIDA’s IT, and keeps on top of the accounts. In short, Johnny
is VIDA’s go-to-guy.
To balance his hectic work life, Johnny indulges his passion
for music by writing about trends and genres for several music
magazines. He also DJs, plays percussion, blogs on emerging Costa
Rican music and recently started a radio show broadcast in Mexico
and Costa Rica (principally) and to the world via the internet.
In quiet moments (should he ever have any) he searches for the
meaning of life in books on oriental philosophy.
grettel centeno
design staff
Everyone has to start somewhere. Grettel thought she'd start her
career as an architect by winning a regional design award.
Smart move.
As an architect, Grettel thrives on the experimentation and
reflection it takes to produce spaces that catalyse new relationships
between the ecological conditions, project parameters, and the
social and material requirements. In fact, her thesis project on the
importance of defining spaces that balance culture, history, form
and use within Costa Rica's captial city, San Jose, is now being
studied by other students.
Clearly she likes a challenge.
Actually, Grettel believes wholeheartedly that challenges – in life
and design – bring about the best results. Fuel to the fire and all
that.
Grettel also quietly relishes the synergies between architecture and
urban design and, as a dedicated, multidisciplinary professional,
draws on the richness of both. This breadth of knowledge allows
her to approach each project as a unique design opportunity – the
promise of a new beginning, a new conversation.
Which is why Grettel is at home with VIDA – where we insist
on (and secretly love) the never-ending search for the perfect,
perfectly resolved, design solution.
To balance all her intense head work, Grettel escapes via
alternative films, yoga, night swimming and showing VIDA's expat
staff around her city.
bradley luna wilson
design staff
Acting purely on intuition, Bradley left Texas in January of 2011 to
carve out his future. He believes that if the universe agrees with you,
and you combine your passion with unadulterated hard work, doors
will open. Sure enough, after a year in Panama, Bradley found
VIDA – or rather, VIDA found Bradley. Bradley's CV tells an unconventional tale, to be sure.
Back in Texas, Bradley worked as a backhoe operator for RogersO'Brien Construction in Austin during college. After graduating
in May of 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bradley
began his journey in Marfa where he worked on vintage trailers,
fabricating with steel, and building with Jack Sander's Design Build
Adventure. He returned to Texas Tech that fall for a semester of
graduate studies with Chris Taylor's Land Arts of the American West
Studio; a two month interdisciplinary field program investigating
the intersection of geomorphology and human construction in the
south-western United States. In Panama, Bradley did architectural drafting in Veracruz and also
worked for the eco-development project known as Kalu Yala where
he was involved in their graphic design and branding, and also
initiated the camping operation that is still in operation in Los Tres
Brasos in the Pacora River Valley. Bradley is a passionate adventurer who still believes in the grandeur
of human potential and the resiliency of the human spirit. When
he has free time to do as he pleases, he loves working with wood,
drawing, writing, photography, fixing things, camping, the arts, all
things rustic, beauty in all its forms, and getting his hands dirty as a
weekend mechanic. See, 'eclectic' barely covers it.
giulia pagiero
design staff
Somewhere between Torino and London Giulia stopped being an
architect.
Having graduated in Architecture in 2009 at Politecnico di Torino,
Italy, with a thesis on a sustainable, emergency housing based on
recycled shipping containers, an Italian company offered to develop a
prototype of Giulia’s design.
She capitalized on her early success by moving to Florence to join a
group of young Florentine architects. Their work was featured in many
international architecture competitions. Despite her success, Giulia
was still searching.
Propelled by an increasing need to preserve the landscape of her Italian
homeland, Giulia enrolled in a post graduate Masters in Landscape
Design at Università di Firenze, Italy.
Once begun, Giulia understood she could never go back to architecture
– she had found her new home, and it was outside in the garden.
In 2011, now searching for breadth of understanding, she left Italy for
the bright lights of London and a Masters in Garden Design.
As happens, the moment you stop searching the very thing you need
appears: having just completed her final exam in London, Giulia came
across VIDA - the perfect fusion of all the things she loves.
And the love went both ways – VIDA invited Giulia for a four month
stint in their Costa Rica studio. So impressed with her skill, passion and
versatility, the team offered her a job in VIDA’s Florence office.
Now ensconced within the design team, Giulia’s focus is on sustainable
approaches to landscape, especially on urban regeneration as a way of
making our cities better places to live.
When not working or searching, Giulia pots, sews and gardens. She
loves art, yoga, photography and design, frequents any exhibitions that
look interesting and spends summer evenings doing aperitivo. She has
sailed since she was a child, and her secret dream is to one day travel the
world on a sailing boat..
So, when is an architect not an architect? When she’s a sea-bound
landscape architect.
k at e f ly n n
copywriter
Kate is an award-winning copywriter though some of her best
work has been written while staring blankly out a window.
In a former life, she worked as a copywriter in an advertising
agency in Melbourne (Australia) and as a successful freelance
writer in Brisbane (Australia). Kate has been lucky enough
to get paid to write for the last 15 years and she’s hoping
her luck continues.
Her body of work includes scriptwriting for television, radio and
DVD and advertising copy for many well-known Australian and
international brands. Kate’s expertise extends across the fields
of marketing, public relations and advertising – and everything
in between. Basically, Kate can help you articulate the vision for
your project, develop the concept and help you communicate this
message to your audience/s.
Kate currently provides strategic communication direction within
a university and writes and manages the production of online and
printed educational materials. She has also recently published a
children’s story.
It’s fair to say she is a stickler for spelling and punctuation – though
uses hyphens far too much. Kate believes that to write well you need
to listen well. Because at its best, writing is about understanding
people; articulating our similarities and helping people make
connections that they may not otherwise. No really – it’s a terribly
important job.
When Kate’s not writing for VIDA, she works part-time for
an Australian university and full-time for her young family.
In her spare time [sigh] she tries not to ruin her children’s lives
and sees beauty in most things.
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | ANTOGNOLLA
ANTOGNOLLA RESORT AND SPA
LOCATION:Perugia, Italy
SCALE:570 Hectares
CLIENT:Confidential
PROJECT TEAM:Marco Battaggia + VIDA
(other consultants are confidential)
VIDA ELEMENTS:Developing low water-use and native plant
palette, working with the architects to carefully site new buildings
into the landscape in order to avoid excessive cut and fill, developing
a vernacular language of site work detailing, envisioning future
agricultural landscapes supported by the new resort investment,
reducing impact of vehicular traffic on site through integration
of underground parking, integrated stormwater collection,
re-use, and management techniques.
SCOPE:
Master Planning + Concept Design
p roj e c t s | vidade sign stu dio.c om
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | ANTOGNOLLA
PROJECT: Our good friend and Italian landscape architect, Marco
Battaggia, invited VIDA to collaborate on this five-star rural resort in
the Umbrian hills that will be the first for an international - quality
luxury resort on the Peninsula. Working together as the collaboration
'FormaTerra', Marco and VIDA are providing complete master
planning and landscape architecture for this majestic rural estate,
which includes an international 5-star hotel and the restoration and
conversion of an existing castle dating from the 1300s to contain
approximately 36 suites, a restaurant and terrace lounge. In addition,
approximately 74 suites will be integrated within a northern slope
overlooking the castle and designed in a way to complement the local
Umbrian architectural aesthetic, culture, and surrounding view-sheds.
An abandoned structure will be re-used and converted to contain
core aspects of the resort including the arrival court and reception, a
world-class spa, restaurants, retail outlets, swimming areas and garden
terraces. The Castle of Antognolla overlooks an 18 hole championship
golf course designed by Robert Trent-Jones II that opened around
1998. The Antognolla estate of 570 ha (1400 acres) will also include
a new entrance, club house, four large casali (farmhouses) and four
new villages (borghi) to be carefully integrated into the surrounding
countryside around the castle.
Our client has assembled a world-class project team composed of local
and international consultants to oversee the design and construction
of the resort - ensuring a design philosophy that will meet the needs
of the most discerning international guests, while remaining true to
the local vernacular and genus loci of the estate.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE: Together with Marco Battaggia,
we have been spending as much time on site as possible - taking
advantage of the property’s location (a quick 1 1/2 hour drive from
our studio in Florence). Being such a unique property with significant
historical components, the designs we are developing for the project
are continuously being layered and tested with new information and
ideas garnered from each visit to the site.
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | SANTA TERESA BEACH HOTEL
SANTA TERESA BEACH HOTEL
LOCATION:Playa Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
SCALE:1.6 Hectares
CLIENT:Malinche Rojo S.A.
PROJECT TEAM:Garnier Arquitectos + Sens+ VIDA
SCOPE:
Project Visioning + Master Planning + Full-service Landscape
Architecture
VIDA ELEMENTS:Planning of the building program around
existing trees, designing the majority of circulation above-grade to
prevent damage to existing root systems, topography and hydrology,
routing utilities below elevated circulation minimizing impact on
property caused by trenching, lightweight, above-grade architecture
responsive to site to maximize natural breezes, solar access and views,
strong indoor/outdoor relationships, utilizing local materials and
construction techniques to create a truly responsive and regional
hospitality experience.
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | SANTA TERESA BEACH HOTEL
PROJECT: VIDA was engaged in mid 2011 to plan a boutique hotel
for the client’s beachfront property in the emerging resort town of
Santa Teresa. Given the property's idyllic location and famous beach
breaks, VIDA’s team didn’t need any encouragement to spend the
necessary time on site to visit comparative projects, study local tourism
trends, construction methods, and available materials while getting to
know the pros and cons of the property.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE: As early as the late 1970s,
overland access from the capital of San Jose to this remote, beautiful
area of Costa Rica could take up to two days with many creek and river
crossings. Change is inevitable, and today’s travellers can reach Santa
Teresa from San Jose within four hours by car, however this stretch of
coast still maintains a 'frontier' feeling.
During the five-day workshop we facilitated a three-day working
session with the client in a neighboring hotel where we developed
Conceptual Master Plan options that explored different arrangements
of program and unit yields. The client group has extensive operational
experience with other successful hotels and resort projects in Costa
Rica and this wealth of knowledge helped guide the decision-making
process while providing insight into Costa Rican tourism trends, client
expectations and shortfalls in the local and regional markets.
Back in the studio, VIDA’s team developed further the approved
Conceptual Master Plan as well as providing sections and sketches of the
proposed architectural style, scale and density. The Final Conceptual
Master Plan booklet was submitted in September 2011 and the project
is currently being permitted. VIDA is currently assisting the client to
build a multidisciplinary project team with design and documentation
expected to be completed by late 2012 and ground breaking in early
2013.
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | RIO PERDIDO THERMAL SPA
RIO PERDIDO THERMAL SPA
LOCATION:Bagacas, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
SCALE:400 Hectares
CLIENT:Costa Plan
PROJECT TEAM:C2 Architects + Estudio 27 + OUSIA design +
VIDA
SCOPE:Master Planning + Full Service Landscape Architecture
VIDA ELEMENTS: Utilizing native low water-use plant material,
nature and interpretive trails, reducing the movement of vehicles
within the property, utilizing local materials and construction
techniques in innovative ways, creating a memorable, regionally
inspired hospitality experience.
PROJECT: VIDA was engaged in late 2010 by Costa Plan to join an
established design team to provide Landscape Architectural services
for the already master planned and designed destination spa and
thermal river experience. The site is located a short drive from the
town of Bagaces in the province of Guanacaste. The property is
estimated to be around 400 hectares and features spectacular views
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | RIO PERDIDO THERMAL SPA
to the Miravalles Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and the alluvial
plains of the Pacific Coast. The property features a thermal river which
dramatically cuts through the property exposing rugged cliffs and a
scattering of enormous boulders remnant from volcanic activity. The
river canyon features stands of enormous Espavel trees and steep slopes
covered with native ferns.
Following our first site visit and a review of the planned facility, VIDA
made several recommendations to the client team which fundamentally
changed the way they had been looking at the arrival experience,
the routing of the required infrastructure, the external spaces and
the overall guest experience. Supported by the client team, VIDA
re-planned and designed the arrival experience, guest transfer area,
the main road, the routing of the services, the pool and resort-style
facilities as well as working with the architects to improve the entry
points and exits from the main building to create a more attractive
and memorable guest experience. VIDA’s team have also routed a
circuit of nature-based and interpretive trails connecting the thermal
river experience, a suspension bridge crossing the lush canyon of the
thermal river and several lookouts.
VIDA has recently completed the construction documentation and our
team is currently overseeing the construction of the project.
Due for completion in December 2011.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE:Rio Perdido will be a day
guest facility. The thermal river experiences, pools, trails, spa and
restaurant will draw tourists from the resort towns of Guanacaste.
TESTIMONIAL: GABRIEL SARAGOVIA, COSTAPLAN,
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT “The property – which is among
the most unique and beautiful that we have ever seen – demands
very special treatment: both from a business feasibility perspective
as well as from a naturally imposed respect for its ecological
preservation. We've been developing tourism projects in Costa Rica
for almost two decades and after getting to know the VIDA team
and their inspired projects, it was unquestionable that they were
the only contenders to undertake the land planning and landscape
design in a project where the balancing of these two elements will
dictate its ultimate success as a desirable destination. VIDA has
been on-board since the beginning of what has been a difficult but
very successful development (conceptualizing, design, permitting,
and construction) process, involving thermal rivers, canyons, deep
mineral springs, and hundreds of acres of reserve land. We are
fortunate to have VIDA as part of this all-star team; undoubtedly the
best team that I have had the good fortune of working with.”
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | LAPA RIOS SUSTAINABLE MASTER PLAN
LAPA RIOS SUSTAINABLE MASTER PLAN
LOCATION:Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
SCALE:400 Hectares
CLIENT:Lapa Rios
PROJECT TEAM:Cayuga Operations Group + HM Design + VIDA
SCOPE:Master Planning
VIDA ELEMENTS: Non-vehicular internal circulation,
consolidating service movement and function, siting architecture
in previously disturbed areas, promoting lightweight site-responsive
architecture, creating flexible spaces that take advantage of the site
conditions, respond to function while enhancing the guest experience.
PROJECT: VIDA was engaged by HM Design in early 2010 to
collaborate on a Sustainable Master Plan for the Lapa Rios Lodge
in Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. Lapa Rios was founded by John and
Karen Lewis in 1993 and has established itself as a world leader in
sustainable tourism. The lodge is set in a private nature preserve
of around 400 hectares of Central America's last remaining
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | LAPA RIOS SUSTAINABLE MASTER PLAN
lowland tropical rainforest. Lapa Rios is world re-known for
their protection of the rainforest, its social programs, guided
nature tours, local employment policies and recent awards include
Travel + Leisure winner for the 2010 Global Vision Award for
Environmental Leadership and Conde Naste Travelers World Saver
Award in 2010.
The goal of the Sustainable Master Plan was to ensure Lapa Rios
maintains its position as a leader in eco tourism and naturebased travel. In the 17 years since the lodge's inception, travelers
expectations have changed – the eco-tourism market has diversified
and expanded and the quality of the guest experience has moved to a
more luxury focused product as the knowledge base and the systems
available for designing in environmentally sensitive areas have
evolved.
To ensure the Master Plan improvements do not detract from the
intimacy of the existing guest experience, or cause negative impact
on the local environment and community, the design team spent
eight days on the property, studying the existing operations, the
site, the context, competitive projects, the existing facilities, the
community and the local environment. Following an extensive site
analysis and participatory workshop process, the team developed a
Master Plan to create a guest welcoming area, luxury guest rooms,
detached family villas, destination spa, environment research
facilities, improvements to the food and beverage facilities, the
creation of a multifunction event space, a beach club, rental pool
villas to be sold to like-minded individuals, and redirection
of circulation including guest, vehicular and service.
The Master Plan completed in October 2010 will guide the
development and expansion of Lapa Rios for years to come and
further establish the property as one of the world's most
authentic ecolodges.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE:Lapa Rios, and many other
world-class ecotourism destinations, is featured in Authentic
Ecolodges, by Hitesh Mehta. www.authenticecolodges.com
TESTIMONIAL| HITESH MEHTA, HM DESIGN
“ VIDA studio was a joy to work with. They are creative, diligent
and understand the deeper consciousness that my projects require.
Most importantly, VIDA delivered the work product in time
and they are indeed one of the best associates I have worked with
around the world.”
www.laparios.com
www.hmdesign.com
www.travelandleisure.com/hotels/lapa-rios-playa-carbonera
www.cayugaonline.com
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | NIHIWATU RESORT EXPANSION
NIHIWATU RESORT EXPANSION NEW
LOCATION: Sumba Island, Indonesia
SCALE: 175 Hectares
CLIENT: PT Indonesia Adventure Sports
PROJECT TEAM: HM Design + Paul Pholeros,
Simon Velez + Marcelo Villegas + Matthew Flynn
(then Managing Director of 40NORTH, Costa Rica)
SCOPE:Master Planning + Schematic Design
VIDA ELEMENTS: Maximizing the guest experience, developing
a master plan that responds to the existing and future operations,
consolidating service functions and traffic to improve operational
efficiency and improve guest experience, creating
multi-use, revenue-generating external spaces, creating an
environment that reflects the context and responds to guest
function, utilizing local materials and construction techniques
in new and innovative ways, creating strong indoor/outdoor
relationships, siting architecture program in previously
disturbed areas.
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | NIHIWATU RESORT EXPANSION
PROJECT: In early 2008, Matthew Flynn was engaged by Hitesh
Mehtha of HM Design to co-master plan an expansion strategy for
the Nihiwatu Resort on the remote island of Sumba, Indonesia.
Nihiwatu is an existing up-market hideaway famous for its perfect reef
break and the SUMBA foundation; a non-profit organization that
has funded a range of education, health and economic programs
on the island.
Hitesh brought together a world class team including Paul Pholeros,
one of Australia’s most noted environmental architects and
Colombia’s bamboo architects, Simon Velez and Marcelo Villegas.
The design team spent 10 days on the island developing the site plan
and conceptual architecture for the new program to include: new
arrival sequence and guest reception, upgraded guest amenities, new
beach club, restaurants and gift shops, spa and wellness center as well
as a new accommodation types including private villas.
Following the completion of the Conceptual Master Plan, our team
developed schematic level designs for the first phase of the project
in collaboration with HM Design. The program for the first phase
included improvements to the guest arrival and reception areas
and the siting and design of three luxury rental pool villas. The
landscape concept developed paid homage to the rice terraces of the
surrounding region and local thatch grass was used to mimic the rice
while providing useful roofing material for the project.
Local architects, engineers and landscape architects will proceed to
the Design Development stage of the project as a means of technology
and information exchange which is an important philosophy behind
international projects of this nature.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE:The team for this project had
all previously worked together in China on the Cross Waters Ecolodge
completed in 2006. Matthew Flynn, then with EDSA Beijing, spent
18 months in China over-seeing the construction of this project
www.crosswaters.net.cn
www.nihiwatu.com
www.sumbafoundation.org
www.hmdesign.com
LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES | MISTICO
MISTICO
LOCATION:Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
SCALE:76 Hectares
CLIENT:Desarrolladores 506
PROJECT TEAM:Parq Proyecto Arquitectura + DEHC + VIDA
SCOPE:Project Visioning + Master Planning + Schematic Design
+ Construction Documentation + Administration
VIDA ELEMENTS: Reconstructed wetlands and stormwater
retention basins, preservation and creation of habitat, lightweight
architecture on pole construction, use of semi-permeable pavements
for roads, integrated stormwater management, development of town
center to offer community primary goods to reduce car dependency,
integrated pedestrian, bike and cart network, nature trails,
development in previously disturbed areas of the property,
50% of the property preserved.
LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES | MISTICO
PROJECT: Mistico is located on Costa Rica’s stunning Central
Pacific Coast in the province of Puntarenas just south of the well
known beach town of Jaco. The project is located on 76 hectares
between Playa Esterillos and Playa Hermosa both world renown for
their quality waves for surfing.
VIDA was engaged by Parq Proyecto Arquitectura to audit an existing
Master Plan and provide recommendations for improvements.
Following extensive on-site analysis supported by GIS-based
land analysis and on-site observations, VIDA concluded that the
developer should redirect their efforts and develop an alternative
Master Plan that responded better to the inherent site conditions
of the property and the region. VIDA’s proposal provided a
development that was more cost effective to construct, had greater
market appeal and respected, and enhanced, the natural assets of the
property.
VIDA is currently working with Parq Proyecto Arquitectura on
all aspects of the master planning and schematic design of the
community. The final build-out of the property will include 170
residential lots, 10 development parcels, town center, commercial
core, beach and fitness club, 80 key hotel site, interconnected
wetland and lake system, integrated nature-based and recreational
trails system, arrival statement, internal circulation and arrival
boulevard.
One of the key components that VIDA brought to the project was
the development of the project core and town center where all
recreational and commercial program items will be planned. This
area of the development will be orientated around a community
soccer field; an important component of local culture and drawing
influence from the traditional layouts of early Costa Rican towns.
As the land floods periodically, and is currently used for rice
faming, VIDA has proposed to develop a wetland and lagoon
system to drive real estate values, create habitat and provide an ideal
natural setting for an integrated pedestrian network linking all
areas of the development. The road network has been designed to
encourage non-vehicular movement through the property with all
pedestrian routes linked to the town center.
VIDA’s team is currently wrapping up the Schematic Design Phase
and construction is planned to break ground in 2012.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE: One of the key challenges
with this property is addressing the issues of flooding – as with
many of the low-lying areas of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
flooding in the wet season is common.
TESTIMONIAL: DANIEL CISNEROS,
PARQ PROYECTO ARQUITECTURA
My architectural firm, Parq Proyecto Arquitectura was hired by a
developer to conceptualize and design a beach town community
in the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. After three years of
struggling with an engineering firm that did not understand my
vision, I came through with VIDA. As an architect, I understood
that there are different specialties in design and architecture and
I am confident that I am now working with the best landscape
architectural firm in the region! I have not only had an exceptional
professional experience but have made great friends. The outcome
has been sensational and now, as a team, we can deliver to our client
a project that reaches international standards in terms of sustainable
design and profitability. It has been an honor to work with VIDA on
such an amazing project and I am eager to see what comes next!
LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES | PANAMA PACIFICO
PANAMA PACIFICO
LOCATION:Panama City
SCALE:1400 Hectares
CLIENT:London & Regional
PROJECT TEAM:London Regional, JWSK Partners, COTRANS,
Consultores Urbanos, Edward McGrath Architects, VIDA
VIDA ELEMENTS: Employing integrated storm water
management principles, developing a planting palette of regionally
native plant material, creating high quality pedestrian environments,
and a system of interconnected exercise trails, nature trails and
lookouts to maximize the opportunity to connect with nature,
complemented by educational signage and onsite stone in landscape
details.
SCOPE:Full service Landscape Architecture
LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES | PANAMA PACIFICO
PROJECT: VIDA was engaged by London & Regional in early
2012 to provide full-service Landscape Architectural services for
several phases of the Panama Pacifico project. The $US 188 million,
20,000 unit development is one of the largest developments in the
region and, once complete, will include: private airport, hotels,
schools, town centre , business district, several office parks, golf
course and multiple phases of residential development. Major
international corporations have already set up headquarters in the
project including, DELL, Caterpillar, Cable & Wireless and 3M to
name a few.
One of Panama Pacifico’s strengths is its connection to nature – over
half of the property will be preserved as nature reserve areas.
VIDA is currently working on the River Valley and Woodlands
communities, which are the first single family offering of the
project. VIDA is in charge of developing further a new-urbanism
Master Plan created by California based JMZK partners.
VIDA has worked closely with the client, the project engineers and
local nurseries to create an overall landscape strategy to add value
to project through the creation of high quality streetscapes and
common areas to include interconnected nature trails, integrated
storm water management systems, community clubs, swimming pools
and park facilities. In the River Valley project, VIDA is proposing
to convert a previously channelized stream into an integrated
park system with areas of permanent and semi-permanent water
retention.
VIDA is currently in the final stages of Construction Documentation
and landscape works will commence by mid-2013.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE: The Panama Pacifico is
located on the former Howard Air Force Base, active from 1942–
1999. For over 50 years the base was the centre of the United States
airpower in Central and South America. The architecture proposed
for the project draws influence from the American Tropical
Colonial style employed by the US Military and Banana Companies
during their occupation of the region.
www.panamapacificoliving.com
LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES | HACIENDA MONTEMAR
VIDA ELEMENTS: Developing a non-golf (read further for
explanation) community, adding value through the creation of a lake
system as well as preserving 50% of the property as interconnected
recreational/nature preserves and coffee production. Prioritizing
pedestrian movement, preserving and enhancing the agricultural
heritage of the property, proposing land uses to create a ‘lifestyle,
family- orientated community’.
HACIENDA MONTEMAR
LOCATION:Alajuela, Costa Rica
SCALE:147 Hectares
CLIENT:Master Developers
PROJECT TEAM:Deloitte + VIDA
SCOPE:Project Visioning + Master Planning
LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES | HACIENDA MONTEMAR
PROJECT: VIDA was engaged in early 2012 by Master Developers
to vision and master plan a community on the outskirts of Alajuela
in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The area around the city of
Alajuela has seen dramatic growth in recent years primarily due to
the development of several ‘Zona Francas’ (Free Trade Zones) taking
advantage of undeveloped land near San Jose’s international airport.
In recent years, many multi-national business operations have
moved into the area, creating a need for executive and staff housing.
The vision for Hacienda Montemar is to create a community to cater
to the growing population and to provide the services required by
individuals and families moving to the area. The client team initially
proposed to create a golf course community following a familiar
model of real estate applied world-wide: build a golf course, increase
real estate values, build homes, people will follow etc.
Bringing to the table in-depth analysis of the region, site conditions
and studies of project comparisons, VIDA’s team facilitated a fiveday onsite workshop where we developed and analyzed several golf
and non-golf options. Identifying other elements that are key to
a healthy life/work balance (such as reducing travel distances to
daily services, catering to broad socio-economic and age groups,
creating flexible live-work environments, having access to quality
education facilities, connectivity to history and culture, creating
quality common areas with a strong connection to nature and
context) were central to VIDA’s working sessions.
By the completion of the conceptual master planning effort, VIDA
had assisted the client to create a Master Planned Community
with town center, daycare and kinder facilities, elementary and
high schools, assisted living community, business hotel with spa
and conference facilities, country club, multistory, attached and
detached housing options centered around a community lake and
integrated reserve and recreational system. Key to the concept,
was the preservation of 16 hectares of coffee production and the
creation of a branded coffee processing plant.
N.B: no golf.
VIDA’s team assisted the client through the permitting process and
the project has been recently permitted. The Schematic Design for
the first phase is planned to commence in the later part of 2013.
RURAL PLANNING AND DESIGN | VILLA AGOSTINI
VILLA AGOSTINI
VIDA ELEMENTS:Restoring abandoned olive groves and
improving landscape productivity while accommodating new
infrastructure requirements for the transformation of an
abandoned estate into a luxury residential property. Maintaining a
clearly rural aesthetic that speaks of the Florentine countryside.
LOCATION:Impruneta, Tuscany, Italy
SCALE:11 Hectares
CLIENT:Bruno Cecchi Spa
PROJECT TEAM:ArchFlorence + VIDA
SCOPE:
Master Planning + Landscape Architecture
RURAL PLANNING AND DESIGN | VILLA AGOSTINI
PROJECT: Villa Agostini is located in the southern hills
overlooking the Renaissance town of Florence Italy and the
city’s iconic duomo. The Villa is currently being restored and
converted to host several luxury apartments and outdoor amenities,
surrounded by nearly 10 hectares of olive groves that had fallen
into a state of disrepair after severe frosts in the 1980’s damaged
the vast majority of the grove.
A comprehensive analysis of the landscape evolution of the estate
(via historical maps and modern aerial photography) allowed VIDA
to prepare a diagrammatic overlay of existing landscape conditions.
This enabled VIDA to establish a geometry for the new olive grove
that would not only enhance olive production but reinforce the
client’s desire to create a strong sense of 'arrival' for residents and
their guests into the property.
In late 2012, the client engaged VIDA to assist with the master
planning and realization of a new olive grove, while incorporating
a new arrival experience for the Villa. VIDA is working with the
client and their agricultural superintendents to select nearly 1500
olives from an adjacent property to be transplanted according to
the new estate Master Plan.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE: There are nearly 500
olive cultivars present in Italy. Each region having its preferred
species (and each region saying their olive oil is the best!) In
Tuscany, three of the most dominant cultivars are ‘la frantoio’, ‘la
moraiolo’, and ‘il pendolino’.
RURAL PLANNING AND DESIGN | VARELA HERMANOS
VARELA HERMANOS
VIDA ELEMENTS: Preserving and enhancing the rural
landscape, developing authentic hospitality concepts, reinforcing
the client's 'brand' through site planning and landscape
architecture, utilizing regional material (both soft and hardscape)
in new and innovative ways.
LOCATION:Pese, Panama
SCALE:800 Hectares
CLIENT:Varela Hermanos
PRJECT TEAM:
Bormida & Yanzon + VIDA
SCOPE:Full service Master Planning + Landscape Architecture
RURAL PLANNING AND DESIGN | VARELA HERMANOS
PROJECT: VIDA was engaged in early 2010 by the Varela
Hermanos S.A to work with Mendoza based architects Bormida
& Yanzon (B&Y) to further develop a tourism and improvement
strategy developed in 2006 for Hacienda San Isidro. Varela
Hermanos’s involvement in the region dates back to 1908 when Don
Jose Varela Blanco immigrated from Spain to set up the first sugar
mill in the recently formed country of Panama.
Hacienda San Isidro is estimated to be around 800 hectares and is
one of the only rum manufacturers who produce 100% of their own
sugar cane on the same property as the distillery. Great efforts are
made to preserve the heritage of the region by ensuring that portions
of the sugar cane crop is cut by hand and transported by bullock
teams; maintaining the traditional way of life and supporting local
industry - as well as making for a great photo opportunity.
One of the key design elements of the project was to create an arrival
experience that celebrated the rugged and expansive beauty of the
sugar plantation and the surrounding areas. Through an extensive
on-site analysis and site reconnaissance process, VIDA’s team
evaluated several arrival routes that engage different highlights
of the property and the region.
By working closely with the operations managers of the distillery, B&Y
and VIDA have developed a master plan that improves the efficiency
of the plant, celebrates the industrial beauty of the operations, creates
impressive landscape areas with axises terminated by large-scale art
commissions, while consolidating land uses such as service movement,
equipment maintenance and staff facilities. VIDA’s team completed
100% of the construction documents for the distillery in January
2011 and is currently working on construction documents for the
arrival experience, rum storage facilities, distillery and guest arrival
area. The material palette for the hardscape and softscape draws on
the indigenous and the cultural landscape to instill a sense of history
and rural elegance.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE:Employing over 700
permanent employees and many more during the Safra (harvest
period) the Varela Harmanos are by far the largest employer in
the region. VIDA will commence work on the renovation of the
historical and charming town of Pese in the coming years where the
Varela Hermanos envision creating a regional hub for rural based
tourism, artisans and local cuisine. We love this project and we love
working with a client with a genuine interest in the development and
improvements of the lives of people in rural areas.
www.bormidayanzon.com
www.varelahermanos.com
RURAL PLANNING AND DESIGN | ARIO RANCH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN
ARIO RANCH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN
LOCATION:Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
SCALE:2000 Hectares
CLIENT:Ariobongo
PROJECT TEAM:HM Desgin + VIDA
VIDA ELEMENTS:Preserving and enhancing the rural
landscape, developing responsive, authentic hospitality concepts,
promoting lightweight, regionally-inspired architecture,
assisting the client to establish a clear brand, developing real
estate strategies that respond to the current and future market
conditions, associating with projects that reflect our
personal values.
SCOPE:
Project Visioning + Master Planning
RURAL PLANNING AND DESIGN | ARIO RANCH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN
PROJECT: Our group has been involved with the client team
since early 2008 and recent work on the Ario Ranch project has
seen the development of an overall Sustainable Development
Master Plan which focuses on consolidating and improving the
efficiency of the existing agricultural operations, developing and
planning alternative agricultural enterprise, planning facilities for
the existing horse tour operations, infrastructural improvements,
and establishing a long-term hospitality, lodging and real estate
development strategy. This recent effort develops further a Sustainable
Tourism Master Plan developed in 2008 by HM Design and Matthew
Flynn, then Managing Director of 40NORTH Costa Rica.
The property is approximately 2000 hectares with over 2kms
of pristine beachfront, several delicate mangrove and estuaries,
extensive areas of grazing land and intensive agriculture, two rivers
and a short drive from the growing resort town of Santa Teresa.
Following the advice of VIDA, the client has explored ways to
brand their beef operations through a certification program
and the group is currently seeking certification with Rain Forest
Alliance. The certification is tied to one of the key objectives of
the Master Planning effort: to reduce the footprint of the cattle
operations. The team is currently exploring ways to consolidate
and site agricultural land uses where inputs and outputs of each
land use will complement each other. The areas previously used
for ranching will be planned for conservation, sustainable timber
production and eco tourism.
Ario Ranch is a long-term commitment and we expect to be
working on this project for many years to come.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE: A key component of the
project is the CIRENAS mission headed by Caroline Grew and
Tucker Szymowiczwhic: “CIRENAS exists to build transformative
connections between people and the environment through
education, research, integration and innovation”. VIDA will
assist the CIRENAS team to plan their campus at Ario Ranch
towards the later part of 2011.
www.cirenas.org
www.hmdesign.com
URBAN DESIGN | CENTER CITY ARTS
CENTER CITY ARTS
LOCATION:Erie, Pennsylvania USA
SCALE:2 Hectares (5 Acres)
CLIENT:Stairways Behavioral Health
PROJECT TEAM: Kidder Wachter Architecture + VIDA
SCOPE: Project Visioning + Master Planning
VIDA ELEMENTS: Providing comfortable, flexible and creative
facilities throughout the campus to explore, create, grow, and relax.
Sensory landscapes that evolve and change through the seasons offer
the opportunity for users of the campus to connect with the natural
cycle. Taking an active role in demonstrating how biodiversity and
stormwater management in Erie’s urban landscapes can be improved
by implementing best-practice methods throughout the development
of the campus landscape architecture.
URBAN DESIGN | CENTER CITY ARTS
PROJECT: Center City Arts (CCA) is a program of Stairways
Behavioral Health that provides a unique and pressure-free arts
experience open to those who have recovered, or are recovering, from
a mental illness, and those who assist them in that journey. Beyond
this, our clients believe “in the healing and transformative power of
creative expression and integrative wellness - not only for those who
may be experiencing difficulty, but for all who seek self-exploration and
personal growth”.
In late 2011, Stairways Behavioral Health (SBH) engaged VIDA to
assist with the preparation of a Strategic Master Plan for the Center
City Arts campus located on the former Rose Koehler Curtze estate
in the central city neighborhood of Erie, Pennsylvania USA. VIDA is
preparing creative design solutions and an overall Master Plan that will
help Stairways, Center City Arts and their partners begin the process of
transforming their vision and goals into an enriching reality. VIDA and
SBH invited KidderWachter Architecture and Design to participate in
the master planning process, adding valuable local knowledge regarding
the campus architecture and planning requirements.
Over the course of several months, VIDA has lead an interactive and
participatory design process engaging the client, various interest
groups, donors, local government officials and community groups.
Central to this process was a five-day, on-site workshop in which all of
the various stakeholders actively participated and provided rich insights
for the master planning process. A highlight from the workshop was a
metaphysical analysis in which all participants engaged their six senses
in the site's natural landscape in order to solidify the design approach.
VIDA is currently working with SBH on refining the Master Plan as
well as providing assistance, as required, with the project’s financial and
development strategy.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE: The original owner of this
property was Rose Koehler Curtze, whose parents gifted the estate to
her and Adolf as a wedding gift in 1891. Rose was heiress and principal
stockholder of the Koehler Brewing Company, founded by her
grandfather Charles Koehler. Rose’s hospitality is a legacy shared by
Stairways’ founders and embedded in the philosophy of Center City
Arts – a universal welcoming spirit permeates the future vision for this
tranquil property.
www.centercityartserie.org
PRIVATE ESCAPES AND RETREATS | SANTA EURASIA
SANTA EURASIA
LOCATION:Umbria, Italy
SCALE:5 Hectares
CLIENT:Confidential
PROJECT TEAM:VIDA + Marco Battaggia, Studio Minchilli
Architects
VIDA ELEMENTS:Creating a strong, collaborative team with
Marco, Studio Minchilli and the client to cultivate a shared vision
based on contemporary landscape elements that complement the
property’s history, the surrounding landscape’s inherent beauty, key
siting issues (including protection from winter winds while providing
solar access), utilizing regional materials and styles, and planning low
water-use, low maintenance gardens.
SCOPE:
Full-service Landscape Architecture
PRIVATE ESCAPES AND RETREATS | SANTA EURASIA
PROJECT: In the summer of 2011, Marco and VIDA were engaged
by the client and Studio Minchilli Architects to develop a Landscape
Master Plan that would complement this restored castle-turnedprivate-retreat. At 580 meters above sea level, the nearly 5 hectare
property is situated in a commanding position overlooking the Valle
del Tevere (Valley of the Tiber River) in Umbria, Italy. Dating from
the XII century, the core structure was (in all likelihood) originally
used as a monastery and has undergone many changes as each new
generation adapted the structure to meet their needs.
On our first visit to the property, we were awestruck by the aspect
of the property – it felt as if everything you could see in the rolling
landscape falling below the property belonged to the estate; a castle
in the truest sense. Surrounded on three sides by low woodlands and
overgrown olive groves, the fourth side is characterized by a large,
open meadow expanding to the southwest. The project elements
are being organized on a series of strong visual axis and geometrical
lines that will provide the owners and visiting guests with a sense of
the property’s expansiveness and the grandeur of the surrounding
countryside while taking-in the grounds and estate amenities.
Working closely with Marco, Studio Minchilli and the owner’s
representatives, we are spending many hours on site sketching and
testing our concepts, walking the property, and exploring the castle’s
architectural restoration works. The landscape improvements were
completed in Summer of 2012 and were recently featured in the
November 2013 issue of Architectural Digest.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE: There have been five
documented construction interventions on the structure starting in
the XII century when the original nucleus was created for a (probable)
monastery. The towers and wall fortifications where built in the
XV century. A small chapel was added to the structure in the XVIII
century. Farmers adapted the structure in the beginning of the XX
century, while more recent modifications where done in the 80’s.
The current restoration works on the structure and surrounding
landscape will eventually become another layer of the estate’s rich
historical strata.
PRIVATE ESCAPES AND RETREATS | RANCHO CIELO
RANCHO CIELO
LOCATION: Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
SCALE: 9 Hectares
CLIENT: Confidential
PROJECT TEAM: VIDA + Client's Private Construction
Company & Engineering Consultant
VIDA ELEMENTS: Employing integrated storm water
management principles, developing a planting palette of regionally
native plant material, nature trails and lookouts to maximize the
opportunity to connect with nature, and utilizing regional materials
such as local stone and woods.
t
SCOPE: Full Service Landscape Architecture
NATURE-BASED HOSPITALITY PLANNING AND DESIGN | RANCHO CIELO
PROJECT: The project presents VIDA with a unique opportunity
in the form of a very hands-on, knowledgeable client with a
strong background in agriculture, construction and storm water
management. The client is a key player in the International
Organization Water Keepers and likes to practice what he preaches;
employing sound water management, water harvesting and water-use
reduction strategies on his own projects.
The area around Santa Teresa, and much of the Nicoya Peninsula and
Guanacaste, is characterized by extreme wet and dry season which,
understandably, bring with them a range of unique opportunities and
constraints. In addition to this, the property features very steep terrain
which means various stie planning challenges. And, if that wasn’t
enough to keep us honest, the majority of the property has been zoned
by the Costa Rican planning authorities as ‘Zona Bosque’; meaning
that of the 9 hectares only 1 hectare is permitted for development.
VIDA was initially hired to take over a landscape project for a house
already in construction. Through the course of the installation
(which is on-going), we have also also been retained to develop an
overall Master Plan to include several beach homes, a hospitality site,
common recreational area, nature tails, service and maintenance
areas as well as coordinate the routing of utilities and infrastructure.
We are currently over-seeing the installation of the first phase of
landscape works. We have been very fortunate to work with a great
contracting crew, on-site engineer and a client who is flexible,
engaged and willing to work through solutions to achieve the
best result. As a design team, we continue to learn a lot from our
experience on this project and know that it will translate into even
more thoughtful, integrated site planning, material selection and
planting design in our own projects, and perhaps also act as a useful
example to the region.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE: Luckily for us, the project
fronts one of Costa Rica’s best surfing beaches, Playa Hermosa. So,
a successful site visit isn’t complete without a board meeting with the
client.
www.vrbo.com/483933
PRIVATE ESCAPES AND RETREATS | CACHO ELETA
CACHO ELETA
VIDA ELEMENTS: Strong indoor-outdoor connection, fire
pit, arbor walk, use of local materials and construction techniques,
above surface drainage, integrated stormwater management.
LOCATION: El Valle de Antón, Panama
SCALE: 8,200 m2
CLIENT: Familia Cacho Eleta
PROJECT TEAM: JMV Architects + Design Works Studio + VIDA
SCOPE: Full-service Landscape Architecture
PRIVATE ESCAPES AND RETREATS | CACHO ELETA
PROJECT: For this project our design team worked closely with
the client to develop innovative and unique ways to integrate their
personal needs and requirements of the exterior spaces.
This residence is located in El Valle de Antón, Panama. This region
is characterized by fertile soils, cool climate, and an abundance of
water with diverse endemic vegetation. Due to its proximity to the
capital, El Valle is a popular second home community for many
Panamanian families seeking refuge from the heat of Panama City.
For this reason, the client is planning to use the residence
and external spaces for extended periods of daily life as well
as to entertain friends and family.
The master plan for this residence includes a large swimming pool,
Jacuzzi, outdoor entertaining terrace, fire pit, arrival fountain,
a range of built-in and movable seating, ornamental pond and
exotic tropical gardens.
The residence is currently under construction and VIDA has
project managed all aspects of the project's installation – from
negotiating the terms of each contract, to overseeing the accounts
of the contractors and suppliers. VIDA has also coordinated the
importation of artisan pavement products and plant material from
Costa Rica to realize the design vision.
The project is reaching the final stage of installation and we
plan to complete the project by the dry season of 2011.
INTERESTING PROJECT NOTE: One of the key issues with the
property was dealing with the surface water and seepage from the
nearby mountains. Rather than looking to traditional engineering
solutions, VIDA chose to open up the corridors of surface and
spring drainage to create a meandering stream where the soothing
sounds of water can be heard throughout the year. The stream
is crossed in several points by bridges that further enhance the
garden's sense of discovery.
TESTIMONIAL: SENORA GRACIELA ELETA
We are delighted to work with VIDA on our new home. I grew up
spending summers in El Valle, a small community in the mountains
where everything grows to extraordinary heights. I have some of
my fondest childhood memories living in El Valle so we decided to
build a second home there (although we live in Puerto Rico). My
passion for gardens, trees, flowers and ferns has been a constant
in my life and I wanted to build my “ideal” garden in this new
home. When I asked for suggestions, I got many including Ana.
Everything they said was true and much more.
Ana is a dedicated professional with strong knowledge of tropical
gardens and design. But her real contributions go much further!
She has led the design of all outdoor areas, including pool, outdoor
porch, poolside cabana (bohio), car entrance, fountains and
walkways/trellis. Ana’s positive, can-do attitude, her initiative,
amazing taste, resourcefulness and follow-through have made
our partnership such a wonderful experience.
costa rica
studio
panama
studio
italy
studio
P.O Box 582-1250
San Jose Costa Rica
Tel + 506 2228 88 57
Calle G
Edificio Emily
APT 7B, El Cangrejo
[email protected]
Borgo degli Albizi, 14
50122 Florence, Italy
Tel +39 0553860790
Cell +39 3463056675
w e v is io n m a st e r p l a n
australia
studio
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