Joya Villas | Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Overview

Steel and wood frames diffuse inside-out boundaries in Costa Rica surf town.

Nestled within the rainforest of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, two modern homes boldly emerge from the landscape, characterized by a series of steel frames that seamlessly incorporate cutting-edge construction techniques into this tropical setting. The incorporation of large steel I-beams and concrete materials adheres to the core principles of Modernist architecture on a global scale.

Studio Saxe, a sustainable architecture firm deeply connected to Costa Rica, has not merely adopted this design philosophy; instead, it has reimagined and adapted it for contemporary application. With its roots in Costa Rica and a commitment to pursuing authentic Central American tropical architecture, Studio Saxe dedicates itself to reshaping the future of sustainable design in the region.

Concept

The raw materials of steel and concrete stand thoughtfully balanced with the careful incorporation of crafted wooden screens and floors. This integration ensures that the design of these rental properties remains deeply rooted in local traditions and building techniques.

In addition, the black metal frames serve a dual purpose in the design. Not only do they create captivating cantilevered openings, but they also elegantly hover over the social spaces below, gracefully merging the boundaries between the interior and the exterior. This architectural feature not only serves to blur the distinction between inside and outside areas but also artfully blurs the line between private and more communal atmospheres, thereby enhancing the overall sense of connectivity and harmony within the space.

Design

Large openings on every level of the building make the building seem lightweight and they connect the inhabitants to the surrounding natural environment. A delicate timber staircase appears to float from one floor to the other, suspended by the finest steel cables.

The town of Santa Teresa on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica has become a multicultural hub, renowned for its large waves and untouched nature. Joya Villas is situated on a hilltop, with its main terrace directly overlooking one of the best surfing breaks in the region. People who have rented the homes can enjoy the views of the best swells from the comfort of their infinity pool or simply walk down to the beach to enjoy.

“Joya Villas represents a clear manifestation of a new wave of contextual contemporary tropical architecture, stemming from its deep connection with and adaptation to the precise location, land contours, and climate. These fundamental elements are subsequently and skillfully brought to life through the harmonious blend of modern building techniques, as well as the seamless integration of handcrafted natural materials. At Studio Saxe, our primary focus is on enhancing the inhabitant’s connection with the natural world, striving to create moments of relaxation and introspection. This line of thinking and the architectural style that emerges could arguably be seen as the genesis of an authentic Central American Tropical Architecture.” – Benjamin G. Saxe