Building in paradise

Recently we have been building a two story villa in Costa Rica for a client. We lived there from 2006-2014 and I have constructed several homes there. It is a completely different process there with obvious differences in language, building materials and the contracting. In Costa Rica very little of the process is sub contracted out with a main crew handling most aspects of the process. In the US for example we can form footings and pour in the same day. In Costa Rica the seismic structural requirements with tied steel can take a month prior to pouring concrete. Also the use of wood is almost always a decorative element with all structure being reinforced concrete or welded steel.

Compaction is critical here

We lay down several layers of blended gravel called "Lastre" to stabilize our footings and slab

Ist floor framing and structural slab complete. This is a seismic environment so we build to a 9.8 standard.

2nd floor and roof framing. You can see the corrugated metal pan on which we pour a 5" slab with structural steel. All plumbing must be installed in the floor prior to concrete.

Roof metal on and floor formed and ready for concrete

Walls framed in and stuccoed. Note the bracket added at the balcony for further bracing.

Windows and doors in. Next up paint then ceramic tile.