ARTchitecture
“Tropical Modern Zen” is how we describe the design of The Sanctuary at Two Rivers' accommodations; clean, simple lines with a Japanese architectural flair, accented with natural fabrics, stone tiles, tropical woods and art. Natural stones were used as design accents, the majority of which were from quarries in Costa Rica and India. All of the structures were handcrafted by local craftsmen and artisans including accents like the stairs' steps, the balcony railings, the door handles, mirror frames, garden steps, clothing shelves, bathroom sinks, and all doors and windows. Hence, each structure looks and feels like a piece of fine furniture.

Responsibility
Environmental responsibility guides the spirit of The Sanctuary at Two Rivers. A facility completely off the grid with 100% of its energy from a hi-tech solar system and solar hot water heaters. We designed all of our structures around a landscape as opposed to the usual practice of landscaping afterwards around the structures. We used teak wood as our structural wood which was eco-harvested on a teak farm. We also used tropical hard woods from trees that fell through natural occurrences. For every tree that unfortunately and painstakingly had to be removed we planted at least four new ones. We also milled all of the felled trees and used the wood for the construction process. All of these trees were acknowledged and thanked before they were cut down. Some of their wood was also used in fire ceremonies throughout the seven year development process. We have planted over 300 fruit trees of various varieties throughout our 40 acres. We have created wonderfully vibrant ecosystems with specific fruit and flower bearing flora for the natural wildlife to thrive better in and around The Sanctuary.

Sustainability
Sustainable construction methods and seismic engineering were applied throughout the whole design and development process. We did not use any earth moving machinery but rather used man power to dig the foundation pedestals keeping our human impact to a minimum. We moved these heavy foundation pedestals into place with hand pulleys and wood logs similar to old world style construction. We even built scaffolding out of material that we would eventually use within the structures themselves.

All of the structures are elevated above the ground so no Earth had to be bulldozed, leaving the natural contours of the earthen landscape the way Mother Nature has been sculpting this particular piece for the past 3 million years and is perhaps the youngest land mass on this planet. This also allows for better natural air flow under and around the structures and gardens as well as puts you at eye level with the jungle canopy and passing monkeys. All structures were placed on specific compass axes to maximize cross-breezes and sun exposure. We also used ancient Indian vastu harmonizing construction theories during the design process.

Endurability
And while this intricate process was taking place, the co-creators, Perrey and Jeff, lived on the property for 7 years with only a single car battery and one solar panel for their entire energy source as well as a small natural gas run refrigerator and stove, eating only organic vegetarian cuisine, and rescued 4 dogs, a squirrel, a parrot, and a baby opossum.

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