Aurora 

Project Title: AURORA
Client: Sanctuary for Sacred Ecology — a nonprofit learning and healing center
Type: Community / Installation / Landscape
Scope: Design / Consultancy / Build / Artistic Direction
Timeline: April 2023 – April 2024
Location: San Luis Valley, Costa Rica

 

The Vision

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The client envisioned a community-based temple space — a healing center that would integrate sacred geometry, acoustic resonance, and warm, natural aesthetics rooted in the surrounding landscape. The goal was to create a structure that supports deep learning, ceremony, and healing, while honoring the land and its ancestral lineage.

 

The Process

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We began the process by walking the land to find the most appropriate and harmonious location for the build. The site needed to be protected from strong winds, offer safety for guests, and allow for proper water runoff to avoid foundational damage.

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An access road was cut through the hilly terrain to reach the selected site. This proved to be a challenge, as we had to adjust the route multiple times due to natural springs and shifting slopes.

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Once access was secured, we began the foundation work. This involved leveling a portion of the mountain and constructing a boulder retention wall to prevent erosion.

In parallel, we prefabricated the walls and roof rafters at the Sailcargo shipyard using offcuts from locally sourced, regenerated hardwoods. Our in-house 20:1 tree-planting ratio (planting approximately 20 trees for every one used) ensured the work remained in alignment with ecological values.

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Before pouring the cement foundation, a beautiful ceremony was held. Offerings were made, blessings were sought, and intentions were planted into the earth — anchoring the build in prayer and respect for the land.

The prefabricated wall sections were transported to the site and assembled by hand. The roof followed, then the walls were closed, and the tongue-and-groove hardwood floor was installed with great care. Final details took time, as we remained committed to craftsmanship throughout.

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Drainage systems and landscaping followed. The client cultivated lush gardens that now surround the temple space, enhancing the sense of peace and sacredness. Nearby trails lead through the forest to a small river in the valley below.

 

The Outcome

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AURORA was pre-built at the Sailcargo shipyard and assembled on-site in the lush mountains of Monteverde, Costa Rica. The structure was crafted using traditional wooden shipbuilding techniques, utilizing offcuts from high-quality local hardwoods. Materials include:

• Tin roofing

• Fiber-board interior sheathing

• Local flagstone

• Exterior cladding in Spanish cedar shingles

The design emphasizes acoustic and vibrational properties, offering a powerful space for music, ceremony, learning, and healing. The project was carried out with deep reverence for First Nations traditions and respect for the land.

 

Reflection

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Taking on AURORA was a leap — one that pushed my creative and logistical capacities. I'm deeply grateful for the experience. This project has opened the door for future works of this kind: soulful, site-specific architecture rooted in spirit, ecology, and community.