Ecotourism Impression

GETTLIFFE ARCHITECTURE BOULDER . MANAGUA

Inspired by the models of participatory community and private development through ecotourism that we have en-countered around the globe, we create gathering spaces and eco-retreats that celebrate nature and human con-nection. The planning and design of ecotourism facilities is an area that unites our Colorado and Nicaragua partner studios, and engages our international roots and passion for locally-inspired architecture. Together, we apply our expertise in sustainable design and construction with vi-sion, imagination and a lively creative process.

We design sustainably built environments that connect people to na-ture and express the local context. From personal retreats to larger-scale ecotourism projects across the globe, our clients are drawn to sustainable tourism as an investment in experiences, ideals and society. Our architectural values of inspiration, discovery and simplicity inherent in our de-signs and process align with and are sought out by eco-travelers in their destinations.

Ecotourism as a Lifestyle.

Architecture is an opportunity to enrich the relationship between people and the environment. The fluidity between built and natu-ral environments is key to our design palette. Motivated by the desire to bring people new experiences of space through architecture, we design artistic structures to cre-ate a kinesthetic experience, and awareness of space. Our sustainable designs encourage outdoor living - sun, shade and breeze collaborate to create sensory delight, while carefully framed views and transitions to inviting outdoor areas connect people to nature. On a broader scale, cli-mates and daily and seasonal cycles also play their part in architectural design.

Ecotourism design and sustainability work hand in hand to support the environment, the global climate, the societ-ies and economies of current and future generations. We design to make the most of what is at hand, while sourcing materials ethically and with minimal impact on the envi-ronment. Creating spaces that inspire, we incorporate the highest standards of environmental sustainability and de-sign to bring nature into our clients’ lives.

Connecting to nature through sustainable design.

Connecting people to their surroundings and each other through ar-chitecture, we strive to broaden social networks, share knowledge and be involved in the social dimensions of ecotourism.

Taking into account social, economic, and ecological fac-tors, the master planning and design of each structure grows from the surrounding environment and local context. Community areas, such as gathering spaces or landmarks, are purposefully designed to encourage inter-actions and create an atmosphere that is conducive to ex-change. Similarly, the scale and identity of spaces and the hierarchy and fluidity of transitions between private and public areas are integral to effective community design. We are sensible to the outcomes and implications of each step of the design process, and aim to create positive im-pact through ecotourism and socially minded design.

Celebrating people, community and local knowledge.

With our global outlook and international roots, we thrive on the constant interchange between our two bases in Nicaragua and Colorado. Our team is readily involved in cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural projects that promote a sustainable future for communities across the world. Our experience with a global clientele and international projects supports our sensitivity to diverse cultural values and aesthetic standards. Through these collaborative endeavors, we have shaped a global network of involved, motivated and resourceful people, long lasting relationships and new ex-periences for all.

A global perspective.

Our multicultural teams share a strong motivation to make a positive differ-ence in the lives of those who live in, use, and experience the architecture we create. Projects such as ecotourism facilities and co-housing are a meeting point of cultures, ideas and interests, all of which influence the design and flavor the social environment. Because collaborative cre-ation is central to our work, we engage with clients and communities to ensure that every design respects and expresses the environmental, cultural and social context. With a rich network of relationships within the field of sus-tainable tourism and a shared commitment to green de-sign, our team evaluates sustainable options, from master planning through construction. Our partner firms promote collaboration and exchange through participatory pro-cesses that support long lasting relationships.

Creative collaboration.

Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast

Retreat and energize.

Strawbale GetawayColorado, USA

Inspire.

Strawbale GetawayColorado, USA

Clarify and simplify.

Connect to nature.

Strawbale GetawayCrestone, Colorado. USA

Mountain HomeColorado, USA

Embrace natural light.

Open Town LivingColorado, USA

Enjoy the climate.

Discover natural cooling and passive heating.

Create thermal delight using sun, shade and natural ventilation.

Strawbale GetawayColorado, USA

Blackbird Caye Eco-VillageTurneffe Island, Belize

Minimize site impact and reveal existing features.

Celebrate the natural and cultural context.

Blackbird Caye Eco-VillageTurneffe Island, Belize

Project Site Visit

Exchange knowledge, skills and interests.

Balance personal space with places for community.

Tropical RetreatLos Suenos, Costa Rica

Engage in a collaborative process, from design through construction.

Project Design Meeting

Shanidiin Organic FarmColorado, USA

Integrate residential and commercial spaces.

Center for Climate ChangeLa Paz Centro, Nicaragua

Express cultures, environmentsand identities.

Create community.

Center for Climate ChangeLa Paz Centro, Nicaragua

Create community.

Project Master Plan Meeting

Collaborate.

Develop user inspired master planning.

Shanidiin Organic FarmColorado, USA

With an international and globally experienced team, we are uniquely positioned to mediate architectural interests across cultures and throughout the world. A reliable network of contractors, consultants and other project collaborators form our ex-tended team. From green construction materials and sus-tainable sanitation solutions to specialty woodwork and environmental consultation, our networks contribute new perspectives and ideas to projects both nearby and abroad Applying our decades of experience, locally and abroad, our partner studios in Managua, Nicaragua and Boulder, Colorado offer architectural design services for projects ranging from co-housing to eco-lodge design, across the globe.

Our Teams.

Our process begins as an organic and collaborative evolution from the discovery inherent in site analysis and programming, through the inspiration of conceptual design and master planning. Then, the interchange of information and ideas during design development enables the accurate communication of construction documents. Engaging with local cultures and knowledge is central to our process. Working together through resource inventory enables us to better under-stand, local construction techniques and materials along with appropriate systems for water, energy and sanitation, among others. Finally, the involved construction process gradually realizes the vision as it emerges into physical re-ality.

Our Process.

Dominique Gettliffe, AIA

3014 Bluff Street, Unit 101Boulder, Colorado 80301

usa. 303.449.9155 info@gettliffe.com

www.gettliffe.com

Boulder, Colorado

GETTLIFFE ARCHITECTURE

Alejandra Baltodano, AIA

Managua, Nicaragua

nic. 505.2276.2844usa. 720.279.9037alejandra@gettliffe.com

GETTLIFFE ARCHITECTURE Managua, Nicaragua

Reaching out to the world from partner locations in Nicaragua and Colorado, our multicultural team creates socially responsible and sustainable designs that are moving, uplifting, and bring new perspectives to life.

www.gettliffe.com