The Composition

This magnificent structure made solely of wood, 17 different types in fact. Since its origin 19 years ago, the building complex is ever expanding. It’s design and size is unprecedented in the region, the architecture is as astonishing as it is impressive.

Constructed and designed by master builder and mountaineer Justo Layan, older brother to Danilo, he constructs solely according to ancestral methods. The carbon footprint for this building is almost zero.

The few concessions made regarding their ancestors is the use of the chainsaw for cutting the wood high up in the mountains, and on occasion, an outboard engine for hauling it across the river. Justo himself prefers the traditional balsa (a raft made balsa wood and bamboo), but sometimes the shear weight, amount and size force him to revert to more practical solutions. Other concessions would be the use of nails and rope instead of vine.

The plans for constructing several private bungalows are well underway and are expected to be completed by the end of 2024.