What should you pay attention to when it comes to home ventilation in a hot climate?
I mentioned earlier how ventilation in roofs ( Which roof to choose for a tropical climate? ) can effectively lower the temperature inside the house. This principle can also be applied to the tops of walls, just before the roofing begins. Be sure to observe the prevailing winds in your area to create openings on […]
Which roof to choose for a tropical climate?
If you don’t opt for surrounding terraces, at least establish generous overhangs of at least 1 meter to cover the walls somewhat, although the effect won’t be as effective as a covered terrace. Here in the archipelago, metal roofs are the most common choice for coverings because they are easy to install, very economical, and […]
What should you pay attention to when designing a wooden terrace?
Terraces, in general, are delightful living spaces in many ways under tropical conditions. However, as the tropical climate suggests, it means the sun can be scorching, and rainfall can be heavy. For this reason, it is highly advisable to have covered terraces with generous overhangs. Such a roof allows you to enjoy your terrace at […]
How to: the construction of a dock
The most suitable solution is likely to choose the option of concrete posts cast in PVC tubes, reinforced with iron bars, and topped with a wooden deck. The concrete inside the PVC tubes will be protected. However, the wooden deck must be treated carefully to avoid needing to rebuild the dock a few years later. […]
The boat to get around the archipelago
To get around the archipelago, if you are on an island, you obviously need a boat. You can choose between a new or a used boat. A used hull is generally not a major concern, as it’s made of fiberglass and is easy to repair, unless it’s of very poor quality or has issues like […]
How to collect water on the island?
I’ll apply the same golden rule for rainwater harvesting as I did for solar energy (How to produce electricity on the island?). While we are fortunate to be in a region with abundant rainfall, we are not immune to dry spells that can last up to six or eight weeks with little to no rain. […]
Termites in Panama
When you buy property, you are also buying termites I want to focus on a practical issue: termites. Though they are small, they are crucial to know about, as you will inevitably encounter them. When you buy property, you are also buying termites. There are primarily two types to be aware of. The “common” termite […]
Wildlife in Bocas del Toro
Wildlife is abundant here, with various species including different monkeys depending on the island or the mainland, caimans, iguanas, sloths, snakes (seven of which are dangerous), felines on the mainland, numerous birds, and much more. Snakes Another practical point regarding dangerous snakes, there’s a tip that works really well: it’s chickens. They scratch the […]
The Archipelago of Bocas del Toro
The islands Briefly, the Bocas del Toro archipelago consists of nine main islands, along with numerous smaller islands, featuring abundant and well-preserved mangroves protected by local authorities. The area has few beaches and is generally shielded from external swells, except on the Atlantic-facing side. The winds are moderate, as we are at the tail end […]
Which country to choose to live in Latin America?
My place Initially, I intended to settle in Costa Rica, a wonderful country known for its natural beauty, the kindness of its people, political stability, and many other factors. However, after meeting someone who suggested I check out Bocas del Toro, I was enchanted by the archipelago. Panama currently enjoys excellent political stability, largely thanks […]
