Located in Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, the Raintree House by Studio Saxe is a contemporary house crafted with natural and local materials. Surrounded by jungle and featuring views over the ocean, the design focuses on well-being through a connection to nature.
Within a clearing on the crest of a hill, the house's concrete foundation allows the main prefabricated steel elements above to cantilever and seemingly float over the landscape. The seismic-proof structural design draws from industrial construction methods and has a warm and domestic touch thanks to the careful placement of materials and cladding.
The main living area and bedroom are located on the second floor, where views of the jungle canopy can be taken in, and the ocean and sunsets are captured through carefully framed views. A semi-indoor/semi-outdoor staircase and circulation system ensures that inhabitants feel connected to nature as they move around the house.
The home's sustainability was a guiding principle for the clients and the architects. In a tropical setting such as this, the design needs to adapt to heavy rains during the green season and the intense heat of the dry season. In response, a large roof extends out dramatically to cover the living space, and water is captured and recycled for irrigation and reuse. At the same time, solar panels generate a portion of the home's energy. Local techniques combine with technology to ensure the design is sustainable and rooted in its context while looking toward the future.
Architectural and interior design concepts are highly integrated. Essential materials employed include burnt wood, teak, handmade hydraulic tiles, and woven lamps that bring a sense of local craft to the design.
The result is a modern aesthetic with a local imprint of texture and craftmanship that displays an intimate understanding of local capabilities within international standards.
