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Location: Malpaís, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Architect: José Manuel Álvarez Cruz

Photographer: Tony Aragón / Roberto D’ambrosio

Casa de la Tierra y el Mar is a beach house designed with bioclimatic parameters and tropical architecture, with a great relationship between inside and outside. Also influenced by the empathy with the ocean, the design incorporates features such as a shaped roof to resemble the waves, the high and privileged location which reminds the residents of a yacht cabin that seems to navigate in the forest canopy, and the exterior bridge which feels like a bowsprit, pointing north.

To design in the Pacific north coast of Costa Rica is a subject that needs to be carefully considered to avoid loose ends. Factors like the temperature, corrosion, having big openings to take advantage of the views and the incidence of the sun need to be analysed and incorporated into the design. All of these things reminded the designers how the old houses were built in this area, and all those elements were once again considered.

The house is almost a bedroom, which disappears and merges with the exterior when the blinds are open. The tall windows that open up completely to the deck, help out to make the most of this interaction with the outdoor space. This relationship between inside and outside was maximised with the design of a bridge, which extends like an arm, and allows to touch the branches of the trees around the house. In the pool, it is possible to see the ocean from above and the trees at the same level, and it’s probable that a curious monkey may find its way to the house.

Using this location, the existing trees were not cut and it was possible to take advantage of the amazing view of the north Pacific coast. The selection of the site was done with extreme care, and the specific point has an excellent view of the sunset and other natural phenomenon. From the deck, it is even possible, during certain months, to observe whales.