Jul 23 2008
Balcones de Majagual is now offering off-grid homes at its uniquely designed eco-development project on Nicaragua's lush Pacific Coast. This highly anticipated oceanfront project is located near San Juan Del Sur, just 30 miles from Costa Rica, and within walking distance of Maderas Beach, a world-class surf break.
Balcones was designed by the architects of the renowned Morgan's Rock Ecolodge, one of Latin America's most celebrated luxury, sustainable boutique hotels. Located near Morgan's Rock and similar in concept, Balcones offers residents eco-friendly architecture within a sustainable environment surrounded by rich and diverse flora and fauna and three Pacific beaches. Balcones now offers completely off the grid home design in a cutting edge green community. Two off the grid homes are immediately available and all existing homes can now be adapted to off the grid living.
"Our first commitment has always been to the environment, particularly the tropical forest which is special to our region," says Balcones architect Matthew Falkiner "At Balcones, our plan was to preserve and restore this special resource, to allow use without damage. We are fortunate to have both wind and solar working together with designs that have evolved over several years. Off the grid was the obvious next step."
This 256-acre, oceanfront community features complete off grid living using solar and wind power. To eliminate the need for electricity, the project incorporates unique building materials and relies upon innovative designs that harness local winds and the natural forest canopy. Balcones is uniquely situated in an area with abundant solar and wind energy. This area of the southern Pacific coast enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine and a prevailing easterly wind from Lake Nicaragua, Latin America's largest lake. The prevailing easterly wind is also the reason why surfers from around the world flock to the local beaches.
Off-grid homes feature ocean views, 2000 sq. ft interiors and 1000 sq. ft exteriors, are fully furnished and come with Madera stone countertops, bamboo ceilings, hand crafted indoor/outdoor lighting, wireless Internet, full size refrigerators, ovens, stovetops, and hot water. Ocean view prices start at $260,000 with full furniture package.
Other features include:
- Beautiful vistas of the Pacific Ocean surround the Balcones off the grid homes and home sites, with shared pools and a private forested setting. Nestled in lush tropical hills, these homes are designed to stay cool with consistent breezes, large patios and sliding walls to regulate the airflow.
- Three-bedroom, four-bath green roof designs are available for hillsides overlooking the Pacific. Designs include planted green roofs, rainwater retention systems, solar and wind energy options, low consumption appliances and passive cooling among other features. Green roof designs include large outdoor living space, private splash pools, a large shared pool and clubhouse, storage room, laundry room and wireless Internet. Prices start at $450,000.
- Ocean view lots designed for custom building. Lots range from one hectare (Mariposa View) to one acre (Beach View) and offer great privacy, forested settings and easy beach access. Three magnificent Pacific beaches are within easy walking distance. You can carry your surfboard with you.
- Five-acre organic garden and garden center opened June 1, 2008 with local fruits, vegetables, and tropical plants farmed employing permaculture principles. Homeowners are entitled to use garden and garden facilities.