Casa Llanta (San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua) is a logical approach to building in areas with high unemployment and poor municipal infrastructure. The project employs local community members and educates them in the skills of sustainable building by utilizing readily available byproducts (waste), such as tires and plastic bottles, in conjunction other local materials. The aim is to empower local community members and create skills that will foster a healthy independence from economical fluctuations that might affect the basic needs of its members.

Through the development of this independent community, Casa Llanta will demonstrate that aside from the obvious securities of living “off grid,” the best development, and consequently the best investment, is one that invests in the local people and community.

Casa Llanta Vision

Form a community-based work crew and educate them in the skills of sustainable building through the construction of six “off grid” homes which catch their own drinking water, create their own electricity, cultivate their own food and treat their own sewage without impacting local municipalities so that the local community might utilize these skills to foster their own independence and ability flourish despite limited economical and natural resources.

Phase I -- Form a community-based work crew and educate them in the skills of sustainable building through the construction of a Demonstration Earthship, built from both recycled and conventional materials. Rent or sell this first structure returning 10% of the profits to the community via the Casa Llanta Fund, while rolling any remaining profits into Phase II.

Phase II -- Construct five to seven single bedroom Earthship style cabanas to encourage eco-tourism and further demonstrate possibilities in sustainable living. A limited number of these dwellings, located on Lot G, will be available for presale.

Community improvement projects realized through the Fund will be:
• Creating rainwater catchment systems for local families
• Planting of harvestable and fruit bearing trees
• Providing livestock to rural families
• Providing basic medical training and supplies to local community members
• Educating local families in sustainable agriculture and food production
• Establishing locally owned fruit stands, markets and/or restaurants

It is the belief of Casa Llanta that changes and developments are the reality of any desirable destination. There are few, if any, environments that have not felt the affects of human development. But it is the lack of long-term vision that is detrimental. Change must be symbiotic. There must exist a sustainable and mutual benefit to everything and everyone involved. A sustainable community is much more resistant to economic fluctuations. And when community members live in balance and cooperation towards a common goal of interdependence, community support becomes intwined into the fabric of daily life. Ultimately the safest community is one in which everyone has the opportunity to provide themselves and their families with life’s basic needs. Everyone can choose how they want to develop. This is our choice.