01 — PALAPA
La Palapa
60–80 m² · 1–2 bedrooms
Open-air living under a traditional palm roof. The simplest model — a kitchen, a bathroom, a sleeping loft, and nothing between you and the breeze.
From ~$35,000 USDBuild · Rancho de las Estrellas
A home that belongs
to the land.
Climate-responsive design, local materials, low-impact methods — homes shaped by the coast, not imposed on it.
§ 01 — Our approach
Design that listens
to the climate.
Every home at the Rancho is designed for this specific place — its heat, its humidity, its breezes, its light. We don't import suburban templates. We study how people have built on this coast for centuries, then add what modern engineering does well.
The result is a home that stays cool without air conditioning, collects its own water, runs on solar, and looks like it grew here.
“Build with the land, not on top of it.”
i.
Climate-responsive design
Cross-ventilation, deep overhangs, thermal mass. Every orientation decision is based on sun path and prevailing winds.
ii.
Local materials first
Adobe, local hardwoods, palm thatch, river stone. Sourced within the region, supporting the local economy.
iii.
Low-impact methods
Minimal excavation, no heavy machinery where possible, and construction waste that returns to the earth.
§ 02 — House models
Three models,
one philosophy.
02 — ADOBE
La Casa de Tierra
90–130 m² · 2–3 bedrooms
Thick adobe walls that stay cool in the heat and warm on rare cool nights. A central courtyard, covered terraces, and room to grow into.
From ~$55,000 USD 03 — HYBRID
La Ceiba
140–200 m² · 3–4 bedrooms
Our most complete model. Adobe and wood structure, palapa upper level, rooftop terrace with lagoon views. Designed for families or retreat hosts.
From ~$85,000 USDAll models are customizable. Prices are estimates based on 2025 material costs and may vary with scope and finishes.
§ 03 — Materials & methods
What goes into
a Rancho home.
Adobe
Sun-dried earth bricks made on-site. Excellent thermal mass — absorbs heat by day, releases it slowly at night. Walls 30–40 cm thick.
Palapa roofing
Woven palm frond roofs, a tradition perfected over centuries on this coast. Naturally insulating, breathable, and replaced every 8–12 years.
Local hardwoods
Sustainably harvested tropical hardwoods for structure, beams, and furniture. Parota, primavera, and cedar sourced within the region.
Solar energy
Off-grid and hybrid solar systems sized per home. Battery storage for evenings. Most homes need just 4–8 panels for full independence.
Rainwater harvesting
Roof catchment systems feeding filtered cisterns. During the rainy season, a single home can collect 20,000+ litres in storage.
Biodigester & greywater
No septic tanks. Biodigesters process waste; greywater systems feed garden irrigation. Water returns to the land clean.
§ 04 — Costs & timelines
Honest numbers,
no surprises.
We believe in transparent pricing. These ranges reflect real builds completed at the Rancho and current material costs.
La Palapa $35–50k 60–80 m² · 3–4 months
La Casa de Tierra $55–80k 90–130 m² · 5–7 months
La Ceiba $85–130k 140–200 m² · 7–10 months
Custom design By scope We'll quote after a site visit
Included in every build
- Architectural plans & permits
- Foundation & structure
- Electrical & plumbing
- Solar system (off-grid or hybrid)
- Rainwater catchment cistern
- Biodigester & greywater system
Optional add-ons
- Swimming pool or plunge pool
- Additional palapa structure
- Perimeter landscaping
- Outdoor kitchen / grill area
- Extra battery storage
- Furnished interiors
§ 05 — Your options
Build with us, or
bring your own builder.
§ 06 — Already standing
Homes already built
at the Rancho.
Casa Tierra
Adobe · 95 m² · Completed 2024
Casa Palapa
Palapa · 72 m² · Completed 2024
Casa Ceiba
Hybrid · 160 m² · Completed 2025
YogaMala Shala
Palapa · 120 m² · Completed 2023
Next step
First, find your plot.
Every home starts with the right piece of land. See what's available, walk the lots, and imagine where the morning light falls.