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Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026

ICESA completes mixed-use infill building with bioclimatic perfomance

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Costa Rican firm ICESA has completed the ASOUNA Building, a mixed-use project designed for employees of the Universidad Nacional. Located on a prominent corner within the grid of Heredia’s city center, the building combines a wellness center, offices, and retail spaces in a thoughtfully crafted architectural composition.

The project maximizes passive design strategies, integrating location, geometry, and layout to create a comfortable and sustainable environment. These principles are not only functional but also define the building’s architectural identity. Constructed primarily with poured concrete, insulated glass, and large horizontal louvers, the building achieves a balance between durability, energy efficiency, and modern aesthetics.

The upper floor houses a gym and spa, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains while subtly shaping the building’s roofline. On the ground level, the topography allows for unique spatial experiences: the commercial spaces open to the street on one side and feature a glazed balcony overlooking the other.

ASOUNA exemplifies ICESA’s commitment to designing spaces that merge practicality with elegance, enhancing the urban fabric of Heredia while addressing the needs of its users.

Caption
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photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
photo_credit Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Sebastián Alfaro-Fuscaldo
Caption
Caption

Project credits

Architects

Product spec sheet

Glass Facade
Furniture
Ofimat by Actiu
Manufacturers
Neo-Ray by Cooper Lighting
Floor Porcelain
Glocal Absolute by Mirage
Gym Fans

Project data

Project Year
2024
Primary Building Material
Concrete
Building Area
4650 m2
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