Eco-building at Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary

Since their arrival in March 2008, Claudia and Vincent committed to only Green Building Projects in select areas of the Nature Sanctuary . Claudia designed every new porject to be both environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. She ensured that each project’s siting, design, construction, and maintenance were all in accordance with the land. Meanwhile, Vincent served as an Environmental & Conservation Consultant, ensuring the protection of native habitat.

Together, they were determined to preserve every single tree and shrub in each project area. This led to Claudia’s designs contouring around native species, while building in open areas largely dominated by nonnative plants. As a result, the various structures have not only had the least impact on the land but have actually benefitted it.

Velvet Mesquite, Catclaw Acacia, Alligator Juniper, Scrub Oak and other native trees have thrived in part owing to the shade, wind protection, and water shed from the roofs of different buildings. In turn, the native landscaping has drawn in a wide range of wildlife, captivating many human visitors.

Highlights of our Green Building Projects include:

Sky Islands Safari Camp

Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Sky Islands Discovery Center

While designing all the new infrastructure, Claudia carefully chose only Eco-friendly and sustainable resilient materials – rock, flagstone, recycled metal, reclaimed wood, clay, straw, grasses – to build with local artisans who implemented her custom designs.

Graywater Systems conserve water at every sink and shower in Safari Camp and Main Camp. Used water benefits native plants, which in turn support biodiversity and even food production in our Organic Orchards & Organic Edible Gardens
6 State-of-the-art stainless steel Incinerator Toilets
Energy-efficient Fans in lieu of energy consumptive air-conditioning

Energy-efficient lighting throughout Raven’s Nest

Passive Rainwater Harvesting via earthen structures and swales in project areas

Closed vehicular access to the Sky Islands Discovery Center, where roads are replaced with native habitat

ECO-BATHROOMS TO BENEFIT NATURE

VIA GRAYWATER SYSTEMS

Passionate about water conservation, Claudia & Vincent committed to a Graywater System, reusing the water from all the indoor and outdoor showers and sinks. The spent water benefits the surrounding trees, other plants, and landscape at large at Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary