Renewable Energy
for the
Developing World
Site Wiring Diagram
Installation at the "Starboard Cork"
Geoff and Alan have been long time friends of Tim O'hara, co-founder of the Rancho Mastatal. 
These frequent visitors and contributors to the ranch, plan on using the the Starboard Cork as a part-time home. Geoff and Alan plan on using their home for about six months out of the year, allowing visitors of Rancho Mastatal to stay there while they are gone. Located on the Rancho Mastatal property, the Cork has been under construction since work began in early 2008.
As long time friends and supporters of the Rancho Mastatal's beliefs and contributions, for them, it was a simple decision to decide to incorporate sustainable practices and techniques into their home. Besides allowing the SEI workshop to install a PV system on their home, many natural building techniques were incorporated into the construction of the Cork. The timber frame structure was constructed using all pegged connections (no nails). Lime and earth plasters as well as waddle and daub was used to complete the walls of the structure. With the PV system, natural building, and composting toilet, the Starboard Cork is a staple of what the Rancho Mastatal is all about!
In an interview with the two, Geoff and Alan told us that although the PV system was about fifty times more expense than connecting to the grid, they felt it was the right choice to make. Although, they both see hydroelectricity as a clean and sustainable form of energy, they wanted their home to support the sustainable practices that the Rancho Mastatal exemplifies and teaches. They also like that they have a more reliable source of energy than connecting to the grid, as power outages can happen occasionally. They like that they don't have to worry about their power going out, and they feel as though the high installation cost will pay back in due time. In choosing to go solar, Geoff and Alan feel as though they are setting a positive example for the residents and the visitors of Mastatal. They learned about Solar energy as an option for powering their home through working with Tim and the Rancho Mastatal. They are excited to learn about how to operate and maintain their system.
The Cork is located on the Rancho Mastatal property in Mastatal, Costa Rica.
If you are looking through the gates at the front of the main house, the Starboard Cork is to the right about 100 yards down the road. The Cork has two bedrooms located on either side of common area space. The common area has a breath-taking view of La Cangreja National Park to the north. To the south is the road leading to the house.