Xela Temple, Quetzaltenango

This beautiful project is a Mormon temple in the 2nd largest city in Guatemala, Quetzaltenango.  The plant palette was developed especially for this microclimate, which is much colder than Guatemala City and receives strong winds as it sits atop a hill.  The trees were placed with special attention payed to framing views to the spectacular white stone temple sitting in the middle of the property.   Project architect - Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects.

Universidad del Itsmo, Carretera a El Salvador

This beautiful private University was Master Planned by Sasaki Associates with the local support of Seis Arquitectos.  The campus is set on a ridge overlooking the plains of Fraijanes.  An open amphitheater was created using existing topography and features built in stairs integrated into the hillside with grass and stone.  The main plaza of the campus uses a grid pattern of concrete seats integrated with planters featuring shade trees and accent planting.

Todos Por el Lago, San Lucas Tolimán

Todos por el lago(Everyone for the lake) is a multi - faceted non profit aimed at bettering the lives of the population around lake Atitlan while finding solutions to the pollution threatening the health of the lake and the watershed.  Pilas(washing stations) were built in order to get the local women from washing their laundry in the lake.  These pilas were designed to blend into the vernacular architecture of the lake, and give the women a dignified area to gather.  In addition , bathrooms , showers and a treatment plant were built.  Todos por el lago also has a center in San Lucas, where over 1000 ecological stoves from HELPS International have been installed.  In addtion,  a joint venture was developed with HELPS for the installation of dry latrines around the villages at the lake, where sanitation is a serious issue.   Todos por el lago is led by Diego Castaneda, as well as other dedicated volunteers.  

Parque Cayala

The public park in Cayala is a vital link between the built and the natural.  The park sits on the edge of the barranco, or canyon, and leads up to the Azarias events building, which is the focal point on Paseo Cayala between the Cathedral and future Market to the south.   The park features an incredible set of sculptures by the reknowned artist, Walter Peter.   There is a generous paved path which circulates around the park and meanders under the shade of the tipu trees There are  kiosks,  childrens play areas, and a zip line into the canyon for the adventurous.  The park is a favorite stop for residents with pets and small children , and sees heavy use on the weekends.