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Costa Rica encapsulates the standard for international eco-tourism, sustainability and biodiversity preservation. Government implemented protection measures are so progressive that the amount of preserved land has actually increased over the last 20 years. The beautiful beaches, bountiful cloud forests and vibrant rainforests have made Costa Rica a destination for tourists, researchers and eco-travelers alike.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge dominates the ever-growing list of eco-friendly destinations in Costa Rica. Located just off the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific Coast, Playa Nicuesa Lodge is accessible only by boat yet stands in the midst of country's largest and most dense rainforest. Owners Michael and Donna Butler designed the lodge to fit the existing landscape and made virtually no lasting alterations to the natural land.

"We wanted to build something really beautiful but have as little impact on nature as possible," says Michael Butler. "We wanted a structure where everyone could be together and eat their meals and also just be a part of the nature. The balance between designing a lodge that is off the grid, allowing ice for drinks and fans for comfort, but interfering with nature as little as possible is one of the challenges."

The Butlers, originally from New York state, purchased the Osa Peninsula land in 2001 just four days before their wedding. Drawn as they were to the location, they have remained at Playa Nicuesa but maintain their connection to the Midwest.  Michael's brother, Elliot Butler, owns The Great Dane restaurant in Madison.

"I guess I've always been fascinated with living kind of simply in nature. Our philosophy was to simplify and enjoy the things in life that you really like. Our idea was to find a beautiful, pristine place and have a lodge where other people could join in that experience," Michael Butler explains.

The Osa Peninsula is just such a place. It is home to as much as 50 percent of the biodiversity in Costa Rica and it is estimated that 2.5 percent of the world's biodiversity relies on the region for existence. Given the richness of the land, it is no wonder that preservation and protection permeated every aspect of the lodge's construction and operation.

"This was originally a cocoa farm," says Donna Butler. "We had a landscape that was ready for us and designed the buildings to meet the landscape. We sited the lodge on the footprint of the old farmhouse that was here. We didn't want to cut anything out and we were able to follow through in this same concept with all of our structures."

The lodge's location is just the tip of the environmentally friendly practices that were employed in the resort's extensive design. The Butlers' desire for environmental sustainability propelled them to use unconventional means in order to utilize local, earth-friendly materials. They developed a structural design that catches morning and evening breezes off the ocean yet allows an openness that doesn't impede on existing bird and butterfly habitats.

"We ended up using about 15 or 18 kinds of wood because we wanted to use what was available," says Donna Butler. "Along with taking the effort to try to find wood that was sustainable, we also looked for other materials that were recyclable and would have as little impact on the environment as possible. We used recycled plastic roof tiles made from recycled from banana bags and soda bottles. They are made from 60 percent recycled materials and prevented us from having to transport clay tiles into the region."

While Playa Nicuesa Lodge continues to use eco-friendly practices such as composting, recycling and local gardening, they also assume a sense of responsibility in the larger community and region. As members of local, regional and international environmental organizations, the Butlers promote local sustainability by providing employment opportunities to Osa Peninsula residents and supporting local markets and cultural activities.

"Another environmental initiative we take on is rain water management," Donna explains. "We dig ditches to channel water in the region in order to reduce and minimize as much as possible soil erosion."

Situated between the inland hills and coastal beaches, Playa Nicuesa lodge has developed as a center for adventure sports. Guests are able to utilize both the jungle and sea with activities ranging from kayaking and snorkeling to fishing and hiking.

"We knew the experience would be a lot about the outdoor activities but also learning a lot about nature and really being at peace with it," says Michael Butler.

For some, the Playa Nicuesa Lodge is the trip of a lifetime. It is also global proof that construction can be striking, functional and environmentally sustainable.

"That's the true satisfaction -- when people come here and they've never had an experience in nature like this and didn't realize how much they can appreciate and enjoy it," says Donna Butler. "They walk away with a lot they can take back into their daily lives."