Sinfonia Verde, designed by Studio Saxe, is located near the renowned Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, one of Central America's most biologically diverse ecosystems. With a design philosophy centered on preserving the integrity of the surrounding habitat, Sinfonia Verde invites both residents and visitors to immerse themselves in nature with minimal disturbance to it.
The rainforest is a complex, multi-layered environment, where the density and darkness can be disorienting. An opening in the foliage provides a moment of clarity, revealing the towering heights of trees. This panoramic experience inspired the design of the home, which takes the shape of a disk with an oculus at its center. On its periphery, the house interfaces with the forest, while its core provides a sanctuary from the wilderness. From this elevated platform, residents are immersed in the sounds and rhythms of nature.
Design considerations
The design intention was to highlight different perspectives of the environment. While the home is on a single level, the terrain around it descends steeply. One side aligns with the forest floor, while the other is raised high above the ground. The perimeter walkway takes visitors from moss-covered roots up to the treetops, where scarlet macaws forage among the branches.
The home features two bedrooms, a combined living room and kitchen, and a laboratory-library, interspersed with shaded outdoor terraces from which to observe wildlife. An expansive roof structure shelters the house from the region’s intense rain and sun. The hyperbolic form directs rainwater towards the sides, where it cascades into natural streams. Slatted screens allow fresh air and the forest sounds to permeate the home, while the wooden ceiling radiates from the center, extending outwards.
A climate-responsive approach
The house was scaled to a minimum footprint to avoid removing vegetation around the clearing. It was raised on stilts with narrow footings to prevent disruption to the groundwater and allow animals and root systems to cross below.
In a region characterized by extreme heat and humidity, the goal of the architects was to create a comfortable living environment without mechanical cooling. This was achieved by raising the home off the ground and including louvered openings to encourage passive ventilation. A white insulated roof helps keep the house cooler by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption.
The home is entirely self-sufficient, generating power through a photovoltaic array and a hydro turbine in a nearby stream, which also supplies drinking water. Energy-efficient lighting and responsibly sourced materials further reduce the environmental impact.
Construction
Building in a remote and challenging location required careful planning and adaptation. In an earthquake zone, with high precipitation, dramatic temperature differentials, salt in the air, and threatening wildlife, it was crucial to work with a local contractor who knew these realities and had the resourcefulness to overcome them. With no electricity or water connection on the property, and only a narrow footpath for access, all resources had to be transported over rivers and mountains by truck and then carried to the site.
Prefabricated steel components were prepared in advance, delivered during the dry season, and assembled by hand. The dynamic roof form was created with a woven grid of uniquely pitched beams and was then covered with fiber cement boards and a durable membrane to withstand the harsh environment. After construction, the site was replanted with native vegetation, which will eventually envelop the home.
Material choices
One of the key materials emphasized in the building is teak, a durable hardwood that is often reclaimed or responsibly sourced. Another is cork, a renewable resource harvested from cork oak trees without causing harm to the trees themselves. Cork is utilized in various applications, such as insulation and flooring, and offers benefits like thermal regulation while also maintaining an eco-friendly profile.
Lighting and appliances use energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting, low-power electronics, and possibly solar-powered systems. These choices drastically cut down on electricity consumption, further supporting off-grid sustainability goals.
Community and Conservation
Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate actively in conservation efforts, such as supporting local biodiversity, reducing waste, and educating others about sustainable living. By fostering a deep respect for the environment, Sinfonia Verde aims to serve as a model for eco-friendly development in sensitive areas. The overarching goal of Sinfonia Verde is to demonstrate that luxury, comfort, and sustainability can coexist. It aspires to be a self-sufficient domain that leaves a minimal ecological footprint while inspiring eco-conscious tourism and living practices.
