FOR DEVELOPERS DAN SHORE AND ROBERT HEFNER, what was once just an idea to utilize environmentally-friendly construction techniques to build beachfront residences in La Paz is becoming a reality. Construction is now underway on La Concha Pearl, 33 luxurious beachfront condominiums on one of the most pristine beaches in La Paz.

“As an avid boater and one who has never lived far from the sea, I have had a love affair with the Sea of Cortez for more than thirty years,” says developer Robert Hefner. “I fell in love with the people and surrounding waters of La Paz about five years ago and now live in one of the most extraordinary cities I have ever experienced. The locals describe their lifestyle as “muy tranquilo” — soon La Paz had captured our hearts and imagination. Having the opportunity to build my home on the perfect beach has been a life long dream for me and my family. I felt that with this opportunity to live in paradise came critical responsibilities in regards to protecting the environment that could not be overlooked merely for the sake of additional profit. As my partner Dan Shore and I watched the sun set over the Bay of La Paz one evening, we made a commitment to minimize our impact wherever we could in hopes we may set an example of what can be done using leading edge technologies.”

Dan Shore, founder of Shore and Associates in San Jose, California, coordinates the Development and Project Management of some of the “smartest” buildings on earth. His clients include Yahoo and Adobe and several other high tech firms around the country, all demanding the highest standards of technological excellence and do so with a social conscience. Their campuses must not only be “smart”, but reflect the environmental values of the company, management and workers. As project manager for La Concha Pearl, Dan is utilizing his knowledge of technology and green building to create one of the most high tech and environmentally friendly beachfront developments in all of Baja.

La Concha Pearl is being built from a recycled foam-based product called Quad Lock. The foam exterior serves as a form for the recycled steel reinforced concrete walls, and remains in place to provide energy savings of more than 40%. The Quad Deck Flooring System virtually eliminates any interior noise between residences— anyone who has lived in a condominium understands the value of audio privacy.

The Quad Lock building material is substantially more expensive than traditional cinder block material, but the developers believe that the long term benefits to the environment and limited resources far outweigh the initial cost, and the energy saving benefits last forever. Dan has commissioned the design for a heat exchange air conditioning system that will further reduce energy costs by employing a mere 70-ton system rather than the normal 150-ton system for similar units used throughout Baja. Experiences learned in Silicon Valley led Dan to a window manufacturer that offers windows that are not only extremely attractive, but are dual-paned and coated, filled with Argon gas for additional energy savings. The two-tiered swimming pool and spas, as well as perimeter lighting are powered by a state-of-the-art water and PV solar system. Naturally, the latest high speed entertainment and electronic communication systems will be used throughout the building.

In North America, there is a Green Construction certification program called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) whereby developers garner points for using environmentally sensitive methods and materials for construction. Buildings that meet these strict criteria can qualify for certification allowing builders to promote their concern for social and environmental responsibility in the construction process. Although LEED does not have a formal certification process for Mexico, La Concha Pearl is being built in such manner that it would exceed certification points if it were available in Baja. For more LEED info, visit www.usgbc.com.

“It would send a dramatic statement to other developers in Baja if we could be LEED certified, because we demonstrate that it is possible to build in a manner that protects the very resource that attracts our buyers, and remain profitable as well,” says Shore. La Concha Pearl expects to complete construction in late Spring ‘08 and believes that owners will truly understand and appreciate the health benefits, cost savings and the better quality of life inherent in a smart, energy efficient building, at a price well below any beachfront condominiums offering similar amenities. To arrange a tour of the property, visit the La Concha Pearl website at www.laconchapearl.com.

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