Contemporary Tropical House That Become A Winter Escape

Located in the heart of the Nosara blue zone community, Studio Saxe designed a contemporary Costa Rican tropical home that embodies warmth and comfort in nature. Named Casa Azúcar, this project was a tribute to their clients who wanted to escape the cold winters and enjoy the pleasant tropical weather, so it was clear that the designers wanted to create an oasis that blends indoors and outdoors.

Its location in a still beautiful environment tries to respect existing trees and natural rivers. This will result in a family dynamic that is fun and healthy too. Even though access to the facility is quite easy because it is located in the heart of Nosara, it turns out that there are still obstacles when dealing with neighbors on all sides.

There is a small seasonal stream that flows through the property which takes a step back and creates a great corridor for wildlife. Designers decided to focus on creating a secluded oasis that blends architecture and landscape design to frame all views of the river and wildlife. This house is basically more like a livable garden pavilion.

Design

The seasonal river and wild wildlife are the focal point of this property. Designers decided to cross the river first and then place the house on the other side as far from the road as possible. The back of the house was carefully designed so that residents can be exposed to views of the river when they enter and live in the dwelling.

The bedrooms have direct access to the gardens, and on the second floor there are still bedrooms with stunning views of the tree canopy and wildlife that enriches this part of the forest. Planter boxes and assorted plants are carefully placed in and around the home making for a privacy experience that bridges the best of both worlds.

Sustainability

Adhering to the concept of a sustainable home, a bioclimatic passive design was used from the start. Umbrellas placed throughout create a penumbra and block the sun during the day. Planting boxes and vegetation serve to cool natural wind currents and provide shelter when needed. Rainwater is captured and recycled for irrigation and reuse. A combination of ancient and local techniques is combined with technology to create sustainable designs that are rooted in the past and look to the future.

Interiors

The interior adheres to a cohesive design inside and out where all materials flow from one room to another creating an architecture that is light, airy and modern tropical. Collaborating with local artisans involved in making loose furniture creates a sense of local authenticity and responsibility. This house is a reflection of the personality of the client who wants to create a clean beach feel so the colors, textures and materials chosen are light and soft. This approach provides an opportunity to implement modern interior design that is authentic and also rooted in the past. The comfort and durability of all of the furniture and finishes are important to accommodate families on their vacations, but they also function as year-round rental properties.

Landscapes

From the start the designers wanted to better understand the site, existing trees, topography and water movement in order to integrate the whole project into the ecological environment. New and exciting ways are proposed to interact with nature that bring colors and smells to attract birds, and butterflies to enhance the experience of their inhabitants. A small garden inside placed at the entrance of the house provides a touch of color that is perfectly balanced with light materials. Planter boxes with lush plants were placed in second floor rooms for privacy and to frame the view.