I had suggested people live in this climate for awhile, before building. The climate and the lifestyle this the semi-tropical climate are very different from most places in the U.S. and Canada, except for Hawaii and the southern tip of Florida. Doing some research about building in this climate can payoff, in terms of cost and comfort. And prevent the need for extensive additions after construction. And I suggested finding an architect/engineer and a builder who understand about designing in this climate. No more ticky-tacky boxes with no cross-ventilation, baking in the sun."Tom", the Commenter, suggested the people aren't used to thinking about building for the climate, and making use of sunlight, breezes, and so on. He said people assume there will always be plenty of power and gas.
Well, it's hard for me to believe anyone who can read or watch television isn't aware of what the future probably holds. Global warming. Elected idiots (particularly in the US) all over the world making horrible decisions regarding destroying what's left of the natural environment. And people using vehicles that spew filth into air. And building homes like sealed boxes, requiring massive injections of electricity, and often natural gas, to keep them livable (loosely speaking).The "news" is full of information on this topic. And about the so-called "natural" disasters, created by building dikes that allow lots to be sold in places where no one should be living. (New Orleans). And government officials damming up natural drainages in the whole state of Tabasco, which is now flooded, because the rainwater can't escape. Governments allowing people to build new homes on hurricane paths, and the people who sell and buy those lots. What are they thinking?
I do want to mention a couple that built here recently. (No photos of their are home posted here). They designed their own home, taking into account the breezes, the wind, the path of the sun, and where rainstorms will come from. They designed a home where the cool air will move up through the house, pushing the hot air out. And they built in lots of other features designed to deal with the climate here in Chacala.
And they did a good job, at least in my opinion. I was in the house yesterday, in the hottest part of the afternoon. They had one ceiling fan on and the whole house was cool and comfortable. It was so refreshing to walk into the house from the shaded front patio. Especially after walking across town in the hot sun (with my umbrella up for the walk, of course). And my hostess served some delicious peanut butter cookies, which definitely added to my appreciation of their home.
Anyway, just felt like ranting a bit.
2 comments:
That last picture, the one of the sunset on the beach, is probably one of, if not the, most beautiful picture you have ever posted. The smudginess of the sun in the sky, the reflection on the sand, just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
What beautiful pictures!!! My husband, who is in Honduras (and from there)is finishing up our house right now. It is almost complete. My father in law and brother in law started the whole building process before he went down there. Since they are from there, I am hoping that they built it with the climate and everything in mind. I am a little luckier though since it is in the moutains (sort of) its cooler there, but still.
Post a Comment