Casalmendra

Project Title:  CASALMENDRA

 

Project Overview

Client: Shipyard infrastructure
Type: private community, low cost / low impact 
Scope: Improvisational Design / Build / Artistic Direction 
Timeline: January 2021- April 2021
Location: Punta Morales, Costa Rica

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Case Study: Casalmendra

Client: Sailcargo / Internal Shipyard Project
Location: Punta Morales, Costa Rica
Type: Communal Housing / Workshop / Low-Impact Construction
Role: Design, Build, Artistic Direction
Timeline: January 2021 - April 2021

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Challenge

The shipyard needed a larger, shared residence for onsite workers and expanded workspace. Our in-house build crew had been learning traditional post-and-beam construction techniques, and we had access to a surplus of shipbuilding offcuts and plantation teak. It was time to create a low-cost, low-impact, artistically driven structure that reflected both function and philosophy.

 

Vision

The idea was to construct a light, breathable, sustainable building that could house team members and support the creative environment of the shipyard. I wanted the design to honor the natural features of the site, especially the three beautiful trees already growing there—integrating them into the final structure.

This was also an opportunity to showcase sustainable materials and regenerative design systems, while giving the crew hands-on experience in low-tech, high-impact construction methods.

 

Process

Design & Integration with Nature
I started with hand-drawn layout plans, carefully working the footprint of the building around the existing trees—designing the floors and roof to accommodate their growth.

Structure & Craftsmanship

• Teak and branch posts came from the Camarita plantation, which was being cleared to establish a syntropic agroforestry system

• We began with raising the main post-and-beam framework, followed by floor joists and layout planning

• The curved roof beams and teak pole rafters created a beautifully arched profile that felt open and organic

• Walls were enclosed using mixed offcuts, and the entire structure was painted and sealed to withstand local humidity and insects

Systems Integration

• Installed greywater collection that feeds into a system used to extinguish a 1000-liter biochar cauldron

• Water is filtered by charcoal and reused a third time to create bio-fermented fertilizer, sold or used to charge the biochar

• Final fertilizer goes into our “Trees for Seas” reforestation program, which plants 20 trees for every tree used in the ship CEIBA (and any project using CEIBA’s offcuts, including this one)

 

Outcome

The result was a functional, artistic, and ecologically intelligent structure that fit naturally into the shipyard ecosystem.
Key features include:

• Trees growing through the floors and roof

• Excellent airflow and temperature control with high ceilings

• Colored lighting for a creative, playful interior

• Greywater reuse and biogas system to power a gas stove

• Simple, elegant construction made beautiful with thoughtful joinery and design

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Casalmendra became more than a residence—it’s a model for small-scale regenerative architecture, born from community effort, reclaimed materials, and ecological intent.

 

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Reflection

This project was incredibly rewarding—not just for the final structure, but for the collaborative learning it fostered. Watching the crew apply traditional joinery with confidence and joy was as meaningful as the building itself.

Casalmendra proves that with resourcefulness, teamwork, and artistry, it’s possible to build low-budget, low-impact structures that are both beautiful and deeply functional. It remains a proud part of our mangrove shipyard ecosystem.

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