A great comment was posted in response to Marco's cautioning on environmental stresses on my place. In case you missed it:

grounded ideas said...
Some of the comments that Marcos has posted are fairly valid IF one has limited knowledge on the construction process, I can not make an educated guess on his background. There are some interesting examples to examine on local architecture that could possibly resemble some of the designs that Michael describes.Nosara happens to be a very humid area during the raining months, a lot more than the northern areas of Guanancaste, it is actually due to its density rather similar the the areas of Puerto Viejo, Limon, atlantic zone.The architecture on those areas represent a rural architecture based on wood construction, large overhangs and breathing roofs. Quite like Bali, vietnam, jakarta, the caribbean etc. Humid rainy conditions over extended periods of time.Such structures in Limon have been standing there for decades, their wood facades are wholesome and colorful and eventhough one can notice the wrinkles generously provided by the rain and sun, they all appear to have a certain longevity that has been punctuated by character.90% of those structures are not sitting on the ground, this condition provides cooling and isolates the possibility from humidity entering the structure.I do believe that the approach described by you on the construction systems could work really well, my only concern would be: 1. Make sure the construction is well detail to avoid insects, (as much as reasonably possible) and animals to enter the structure.Keep your details simple for easy maintenance.2. Your overhangs should at least extend 1 meter away from the periphery walls where possible.3. The maintenance of wood structures is no less or more difficult than concrete, concrete as well catches Fungus, it peels, it chips, it needs sealants etc.The care for wood if well treated t obegin with should not be more involved than its counterparts.It does have some advantages, it is much easier to replace damaged pieces down the line, if the structure were to need it, like changing upholstery to an 15 yr old couch. As long as the main structure is sound, the problems to encounter should not be of more consequence than others.4. The swiss pavilion at the entry of nosara (what i like to call it) has been there for about 9 years, it is all sheathed in wood, it is holding quite well. A good test of time. All the best on your project.

Grounded Ideas, I don't know that I know you. You know Nosara well enough though that you might be a resident or a neighbor. I hope to meet you one day soon when I am living down there. Thanks for the support. I agree that the direction that my place chose, that is elevated from the ground, should control the moisture problem in a similar manner to the elevated homes in Puerto Viejo, or Bali, or even Vietnam. The air circulating underneath should prevent molding and humidity from building up.

It is interesting that so many of your recommendations track the directions that Guillermo and I have been trying to follow- Simple details for maintenance, tight fixtures and apertures for insect and animal incursions. I have expressed to him the minimum overhang that I think is needed for the place, to keep it protected from the sun and water. I think that what the plans indicate are a minimum around 1 meter, but of that I need to be sure. Still, I agree with his point, and Guillermo and I have discussed this.

He is right, that all materials require maintenance: a fresh coat of paint, sealant, varnish, oil. I guess that Cor-ten steel is different, in that it is more or less maintenance free, but the point, as Guillermo once put it, is that a house is like a car---It needs regular maintenance, and care.

Thanks a lot grounded ideas, for, well, er, your grounded ideas.