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Plaza Ojochal – Integral Health Center

The Plaza Ojochal Integral Health Center

Promoting Health through Architecture

The Plaza Ojochal Integral Health Center stands as an architectural pledge to health. Nestled in Ojochal, Osa, it’s a stone’s throw from Bahía Ballena beach and its famed national park.

A Sanctuary of Wellness

This center is not just a building, it’s a sanctuary. It offers training facilities, a healthy food café, and a luxurious spa. Add a beauty salon, physiotherapy services, a traditional medicine center, and a lab to the mix, and you have a haven of wellness.

Biophilia: The Center’s Core

Every corner of the center echoes with the tranquility of nature, a testament to our biophilic design focus. We leveraged the site’s existing stream and trees, integrating nature at the heart of our design.

Embracing Bioclimatic Strategies

In line with the center’s sustainability ethos, we adopted Bioclimatic for the Tropic strategies. This ingenious approach amplifies comfort while slashing energy consumption.

Harmony between Built and Natural Environments

As an architectural studio, we prioritize harmony. Our design respectfully interacts with its surroundings, creating a balanced coexistence between built environment and nature. This results in a serene environment that nurtures the well-being of visitors while maintaining a sustainable relationship with the Earth.

Conclusion

The center, in essence, transcends the conventional definition of a building. It’s a holistic, healing entity that values its visitors’ well-being and fosters sustainability, marking a respectful union with its environment.

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Client

Proyectos Completos

Project Date

2017

Category

Hospitality · Interior · Masterplanning · Mixed Use

Casa Beer Fuscaldo II

Nestled in the verdant hills of Escazú, Costa Rica, Casa Beer-Fuscaldo II stands as a beacon of architectural innovation and thoughtfully nuanced design. This unique dwelling serves as a home for an architect and an artist, both seniors, and is much more than an ordinary residence.

A Towering Heart

At the core of the home is its heart, an imposing central atrium, crowned by a transparent glass roof. This vertical core is the linchpin around which the rest of the home spirals. Rotating ramps meander through the house, lending dynamism and a seamless flow across its four levels. These ramps not only provide architectural interest but also ensure easy accessibility, catering to the unique needs of its owners.

An Introverted Haven

Deliberately introverted, the house turns inward, fostering a serene and spacious sanctuary lit by gentle natural light and adorned with minimalist finishes. Yet, this is more than mere aesthetic preference. It’s a functional choice, inspired by the artist-owner who has transformed the home into her private art gallery. The smooth, white walls play with the shifting shadows and light, creating a living backdrop for her diverse art collection.

A Seamless Unity

The artist’s studio, a vibrant hub of creativity, nestles on the top floor, spilling out into the double-height living room. The unity of these spaces and the broader openness of the house instill a sense of harmony that pervades throughout. Moreover, the bedrooms are both private and connected. They feature balconies shielded by balustrades that subtly obscure the interior, yet offer sweeping views of the Central Valley at their corners.

In Dialogue with Light and Nature

From the diagonally patterned walls protecting the private spaces, the large windows fitted with horizontal louvers control the interplay of light and shadow, every aspect of the house responds to its environment and purpose. In essence, Casa Beer-Fuscaldo II isn’t merely a house. It’s a serene, healing environment, thoughtfully designed to foster well-being and inspire artistic creation, a remarkable testament to the harmony of architecture and art.

Client

CR Seis Siguanea S.A.

Project Date

2008

Category

Featured · Interior · Residential

Callejones Beach Community

Located near the quaint fishing beach of Callejones in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, our project, the Callejones Community, is a harmonious blend of local culture and contemporary architecture. This small, vibrant tourism hub consists of two houses and three villas, each designed in line with modern Costa Rican architectural trends.

Each structure in the Callejones Community embodies the philosophy of open-plan living. The parallel facades of the buildings open completely, inviting natural light and encouraging cross-ventilation, thereby offering a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. This approach results in spaces that are at once open and intimate, connecting inhabitants with the natural surroundings while maintaining comfort and privacy.

Protection from Guanacaste’s intense heat and light is provided by the structures’ large overhangs. White walls and polished concrete floors create a minimalist aesthetic that highlights the natural beauty of the surroundings, while wooden ceilings add warmth and charm to each home. A unique feature of the project is the innovative use of operable glass strips, separating the walls from the roofs, introducing a fascinating interplay of light and shadow within the spaces.

Client

Sol Tres Callejones Siete

Project Date

2022

Category

Hospitality · Interior · Masterplanning · Mixed Use · Residential · Urban Design

Oficentro Asebanacio

A Modern Solution for Growth

Answering the needs of Costa Rica’s National Bank Employee Solidarity Association, Ingeniería, Ciudad, Espacio y Arquitectura (ICESA) delivers. They present “Oficentro Asebanacio.” It’s a design masterpiece in the urban setting of Llorente de Tibás, adapting to its unique surroundings.

Harmony with Surroundings

The design of Oficentro Asebanacio embraces its diverse location. To the east, a national highway. To the north, a commercial street. And to the south, a residential community. Meeting these site challenges, the architects optimised light and heat. They used concrete louvers for aesthetic and practical solutions.

Engaging Entry and Heart

Visitors first meet a covered plaza. It draws them into the design. They then move through a hallway into a towering atrium. This space forms the building’s radiant heart. High-quality, low-iron glass lines the interior, letting in maximum natural light.

Innovation in Structure

The fourth and fifth floors showcase ICESA’s design prowess. Cantilevered structures offer shade and act as maintenance platforms. This clever feature highlights ICESA’s commitment to utility and aesthetics. The top floor houses shared workspaces, promoting collaboration. Employees also enjoy panoramic views from this level. Oficentro Asebanacio embodies innovative, user-focused design in office architecture.

Client

ASEBANACIO

Project Date

2017

Category

Featured · Institutional · Interior · Masterplanning

View Project

Ciudad Gobierno San José

CIUDAD GOBIERNO

Urban Evolution: A Green Transformation

More than a mere administrative centre, the San José Government City project is a symbol of urban rebirth in the heart of Costa Rica’s capital. It’s not just a building; it’s an exemplar of sustainability and connectivity.

Fusing Nature and Cityscape

Rather than erecting barriers, this innovative project integrates seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Through the formation of a biological belt, it creates a meaningful linkage between the river, parks, and revitalised streets. This imaginative fusion births a vibrant, sustainable lifestyle that combines the vitality of urban infrastructure and the serenity of nature.

Green Sanctuaries of Productivity

Venture inside, and you’ll find workspaces transformed into lush, green sanctuaries. These oases of productivity and well-being are inextricably linked with nature, thanks to the application of biophilic architecture principles that introduce calming elements evoking tranquility.

Creating Accessible, Walkable Spaces

In creating a walkable urban landscape, the project prioritises accessibility. Thus, it paves the way for effortless communication and collaboration between the ministries housed within the development.

Eco-conscious Functionality, Made Aesthetic

The vision for the San José Government City project was clear from the start: to create an eco-conscious, functional, and visually pleasing space. This vision manifests itself in public spaces that are as welcoming as they are sustainable, echoing Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental care and progressive governance.

Intricate Design, Sustainable Outcome

Every detail counts in this endeavour. From window orientations that maximise daylight and minimise heat gain, to green roofs that insulate, manage stormwater, and provide additional green spaces. Even the materials, a mix of wood, clay, and glass, play their part in championing sustainability.

A Social Hub Amidst Work

Beyond the workspaces, the plaza level pulsates with life, offering amenities for employees and the public alike. It’s more than just a workplace, it’s a hub for social interactions and community engagement.

Conclusion: A Harmonious Vision

In essence, the San José Government City project represents a harmonious marriage of sustainable design, connectivity, and natural integration. It stands as a testament to the dedication to creating vibrant, efficient, and environmentally conscious spaces for governance, resonating with Costa Rica’s progressive values.

Client

Proyectos Completos

Project Date

2017

Category

Institutional · Masterplanning · Mixed Use · Residential · Urban Design

The River-Park Community

RIVER-PARK COMMUNITY

A Case of Social Engineering for Sustainable Urban Development

The story of human civilization is a tale of transformation. In this narrative, the River-Park Community emerges as a beacon of hope for urban evolution in Cinco Esquinas, Tibás. A locality where green spaces are scarce, and socio-economic challenges are constant.

Redefining Brownfields: A Paradigm Shift in Urban Planning

The River-Park Community is an innovative endeavor that bridges societal needs with the harsh realities of urban regulations. The transformation of two soil disposal sites into a community park and social housing prototypes is a testament to this. These prototypes group four units in two stories, a strategic move to maintain simplified engineering design and keep costs within the city plot prices.

Best-Fit Footprint

The power of architectural design lies in its ability to influence human behavior and environmental outcomes. The ovaloid footprint of the individual buildings in this project maximizes green spaces and enhances community interaction. In addition the design also revives the tradition of thatched roofs, providing a cost-effective solution and a future scope for residential expansion.

Regenerating the Land: Uplifting the Community through Nature

Strategically located between the Torres river bank and a cluster of low-income steel houses, the project aims to transform a once squatter-ridden area into a productive recreational district. Moreover, preserving important trees and reintroducing native species, the initiative aims to improve the overall quality of life for the residents.

The Nexus between Sustainability and Community Development

In order to protect our planet, a shift in architectural design is essential. The housing typology adopted for this project focuses on minimizing material usage, improving natural ventilation, and promoting the use of renewable local materials like straw and hempcrete for heat insulation.

Counteracting Gentrification

Can a community be uplifted without inciting gentrification? The River-Park Community proposes a novel solution: to build bridges connecting the river resources with the communities. Additionally the housing prototype is designed as an alternative to the “condo-style” solutions, enhancing social mobility within the community.

Unlocking Viable Economics for Low-cost Housing

The struggle for low-cost urban housing in Costa Rica is an ongoing challenge. In spite of that, The River-Park Community Project, however, offers a novel solution, combining the financial benefits of detached housing with the environmental advantages of high-density living. The use of local materials, such as timber and palm branches, in lightweight two-and-a-half-story buildings, makes these previously low-value plots financially viable.

In essence, the River-Park Community project is an embodiment of the power of strategic urban planning to revitalize communities, protect our environment, and promote economic viability. Its success hinges on this integrated, symbiotic approach to urban development.

Client

Proyectos Completos

Project Date

2017

Category

Interior · Masterplanning · Mixed Use · Residential · Urban Design

Selva Oculta Agrotourism

Pumas Malas House & Selva Oculta Agricultural Development Center

Intended as a research center for alternative agricultural and building technologies, this house is the first building to be develop on-site. It includes the research of Rammed Earth used as a sustainable material for walls, high tech concretes that resist the corrosion in the tropics, and off the grid services.

A fish culture and agriculture is part of the landscape and experience of the house. Regenerative strategies will be part of the architecture, management and design of the center that will take advantage of the full cycle of most byproducts.

1st. Prize – Design Competition. In Development

Bahía Ballena, Uvita, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

The design incorporates the sustainable and regenerative strategies promoted by the client within an organic and tropical architecture. Green Roof, lazy river, infinity pool rammed earth walls, forest and ocean views

Client

Selva Oculta de Sueños

Project Date

2022

Category

Featured · Hospitality · Interior · Masterplanning · Residential

Centro de Visitantes – Isla San Lucas

Centro de Visitantes- Isla San Lucas

An Island Sanctuary Beckons

Far more than a simple tourism hub, the Visitor Center of San Lucas Island emerges as a sanctuary preserving national history, enthralling folklore, scenic beauty, and a poignant echo of human sorrow. Holding a pivotal position in the touristic development plan of the Puntarenas province, this center diligently responds to key initiatives outlined in the master plan.

Harmonious Coexistence with the Environment

Our design approach is sensitive to the environment, taking inspiration from the ethos of low-impact tourism promoted in the Municipal Plan. With a gentle touch, we’ve added an additional facet to the project’s built environment, creating an entrance and exit point for the island’s visitors that leaves a minimal footprint on the landscape.

An Engaging Visitor Experience

Within our design, the programmatic elements are thoughtfully arranged along a clearly visible axial path. Consequently, visitors can effortlessly navigate through the center, which champions the cause of universal accessibility. Notably, the building volumes are slightly offset. This deliberate configuration optimizes ocean views, draws in abundant natural light, and facilitates the circulation of fresh air. It’s this dynamic arrangement that crafts a visitor experience rich in contrasts, with varied spaces alternating along the circulation path.

Adaptable Design and Lightweight Construction

In this design, we’ve employed movable facades, both inside and outside the building. These adaptable elements allow each space to respond efficiently to bioclimatic needs, integrate with adjoining areas, or adjust their light quality as required. Moreover, we’ve proposed a simple structure composed of lightweight frames. This minimizes the project’s environmental impact while offering flexibility for potential future changes in use.

A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

The design includes a reimagining of traditional architecture, with wooden lattices used to softly filter the western light. This technique is reborn in a contemporary tropical language that is visually striking. Besides the aesthetic appeal, this approach significantly contributes to the wider goal of using renewable materials, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the building. At the same time, it enhances performance and imbues the spaces with a warm, welcoming ambiance.

Client

Proyectos Completos

Project Date

2017

Category

Hospitality · Institutional · Interior · Masterplanning

Tigresa Hangar

Tigresa Hangar Development

At the heart of Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, our Tigresa Hangar project nestles into the scenic landscape. Two beach houses and a hangar constitute this project, each with an architecture style uniquely celebrating the surrounding environment.

The primary residence, featuring a timber structure with operable skin, draws eyes to its cantilevered second floor. This floor extends from a service volume built of stone, providing panoramic views and creating a feeling of openness.

Prominent in the design is an expansive overhang, a shield against the harsh sun and seasonal rain. This architectural element not only bolsters comfort but also integrates with the overall aesthetic seamlessly.

To ensure durability and enhance visual appeal, we chose materials such as stone and polished concrete. A commitment to respect and enhance the natural surroundings led us to preserve all existing trees on the site, and plans to add new ones are in place. This decision aims to regenerate the landscape, thus striking a balance between the built form and nature.

Client

KCC LLC

Project Date

2021

Category

Hospitality · Interior · Masterplanning · Mixed Use · Residential

DENT

In the heart of DENT, San Pedro, Costa Rica, stands a fresh marvel. An 11-story, mixed-use building captures urban design’s essence. Four apartment floors, three office levels, a commerce floor, and three underground parking tiers fill the space.

The edifice stands between Mall San Pedro and Sigma Business Centre. A deep grid facade cloaks the building, guarding the glass beneath. This design feature offers shade, blending function with style.

Giving back to the street, the building creates a public park. Here, children’s laughter fills a dedicated play area. The office levels house more than desks and screens. A pool, gym, and terraces offer relaxation and rejuvenation, nestled under the apartment floors above.

At the top, the structure surprises again. A rooftop jogging track circles the apartment floors, fringed by terraces. Views from this height are a sight to behold.

DENT is more than a building. It’s a vertical city, an urban celebration, and a communal joy. Its architecture embodies unity within a bustling neighborhood. The project stands as a symbol, weaving functional design into the urban fabric.

Client

Asebanacio

Project Date

2019

Category

Institutional · Interior · Masterplanning · Mixed Use · Residential

Apartamentos Vasquez-Evans

Apartamentos Vásquez_Evans

Nestled in the charming region of La Unión de Cartago, this project presents an efficient and contemporary approach to apartment living. The property consists of three apartments, each designed with a blend of modern sensibilities and comfort.

The central apartment serves as a retirement haven for the owner. Its design features an airy central courtyard and a cozy back patio, creating a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living. The one-bedroom layout is thoughtfully designed to offer a peaceful and intimate space.

Flanking the owner’s residence are two additional one-bedroom apartments. These spaces echo the contemporary design found in the central apartment. Their large open social areas create a fluid and welcoming environment, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. Upstairs, the bedroom offers a private retreat, complete with modern amenities.

What sets this project apart is its facade. A clean, two-story structure with a bold boxy shape is adorned with a significant perforation clad in wood and glass. This architectural feature not only adds visual interest but also allows natural light to flow into the apartments, enhancing their appeal.

The design’s efficiency extends beyond aesthetics. By creating three individual spaces within a compact footprint, the project succeeds in reducing each family’s footprint without compromising on quality or resorting to a multi-story housing approach. The blend of shared and private spaces ensures that each apartment maintains its unique character, while the consistent use of materials like white stucco and wood brings cohesion to the project.

Whether it’s the owner’s thoughtful retirement space or the additional modern apartments, this project in La Unión de Cartago exemplifies a thoughtful approach to design that prioritizes efficiency, comfort, and style. It represents a unique opportunity for those seeking a modern living experience that’s grounded in community and sustainability.

Explore ICESA other low density urban apartment solutions like 202

Client

Familia Vásquez_Evans

Project Date

2021

Category

Interior · Residential

Palacio Municipal de Alajuela

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Client

Palacio Municipal de Alajuela

Project Date

2021

Category

Institutional · Interior · Urban Design

Frowein House

Perched in the serene mountains of Bahía Ballena, Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, the Frowein Residence, colloquially known as the Butterfly House, is a stunning cruciform architectural masterpiece. Nestled within four unique landscapes – the sweeping Pacific Ocean, protected mountainous terrains, pastoral rural scenes, and the lush property pastures – each wing of this cross-shaped house distinctly frames these views. The slim profile of each wing yields double-faceted perspectives and opens onto four interstitial courtyards, each with its unique landscaping, ranging from a shimmering pool to a verdant garden, a dry desert-like scape to a grassy knoll. The terminations of each wing frame specific aspects of the surrounding landscape, encapsulating the beauty of the environment within the living spaces. The heart of this residence is the kitchen, strategically located at the intersection of the wings, serving as a dynamic hub of activity, uniting inhabitants during meal preparation and social gatherings. Vaulted ceilings and the open spaces between wings enhance the feeling of expansiveness, whilst offering a harmonious interplay between indoor and outdoor living. This project truly represents a perfect blend of architectural excellence and environmental sensitivity.

Photographer in Photos 1-4 Louis Lemaire Insidehomepage

Other Photos courtesy of Murillo+Sanabria

Location: Uvita, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Area: 350m2
Status: Built

Client

Sirena Tropical S.A.

Project Date

2008

Category

Featured · Hospitality · Interior · Residential

SJO Airport Hotel

SJO Airport Hotel, situated in front of Juan Santamaría International Airport, is an embodiment of urban revitalization and environmental awareness in Costa Rica.

Located on a site that formerly hosted a gas station, the project commenced with an essential decontamination process. This transformation from a polluted space into the location for a 110-room select services hotel highlights an innovative approach to remediation and land use.

The ground floor, adjacent to the General Cañas Highway, offers a welcoming space with a restaurant, bar, lounges, and store. The design ensures a seamless transition from travel to relaxation.

Moreover, the project includes trees and green areas, replacing what was previously an all-asphalt parking lot. This addition of greenery contributes to the visual appeal and underscores a commitment to sustainability.

The underground level accommodates a gym, administration, and BOH services. Levels 2 to 6 house bedrooms that provide vistas of the Alajuela Mountains, artfully designed to offer comfort and elegance.

The facade consists of a beige stucco grid, accented with seated-back checkered wood and glass panels, and rounded corners, symbolizing a harmony of efficiency and grace.

SJO Airport Hotel represents an efficient design that blends proportion and quality with an environmental ethos. Through the integration of decontamination efforts and green spaces, the project exemplifies modern architectural principles.

This carefully planned undertaking, with its appealing views and unique features, marks a thoughtful approach to hotel architecture. By merging aesthetic considerations with functional needs, it reflects a dedication to sustainability and urban transformation. The Hospitality Consultant is Grupo Consutur

Ground floor plan of SJO Airport Hotel, displaying restaurant, bar, lounges, and store layout.

Standard floor plan for rooms on floors 2 to 6 of the SJO Airport Hotel

Client

Consutur

Project Date

2023

Category

Hospitality · Masterplanning

Musdan Estate

Musdan Estate, an architectural gem by ICESA, is nestled adjacent to the protected Zurquí area, offering breathtaking views of the Turrialba Volcano, the protected woods, and the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). This remarkable complex is more than just a housing project; it encompasses two beautifully designed houses, a state-of-the-art stable, and a round pen, creating a harmonious blend of residential and equestrian facilities.

The project’s developer is conscientiously implementing a reforestation program, focusing on diversifying native tree species to restore and enhance the area’s natural beauty and ecological health. Sustainability is further incorporated into the estate’s design with all water being harvested from rain and treated for safe human consumption. Additionally, solar energy is leveraged to supply half of the estate’s energy needs.

The use of stone and wood is a distinctive feature of the Musdan Estate. Inside, these natural materials lend contemporary warmth to the homes, creating inviting and comfortable living spaces. Outside, the stone and wood integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment, anchoring the estate in its unique setting.

The social area of the estate opens to two striking vistas. One side presents a panoramic view of the magnificent, distant scenery, while the other opens to an intimate, nearby garden. This dual aspect provides a sense of connection to both the expansive natural world and a contained, personal sanctuary.

Client

Clan M

Project Date

2017-2020

Category

Interior · Masterplanning · Residential

Pumas Two Houses

Pumas Mala Two Houses

The Pumas Malas Two Houses project presents two distinctive spatial experiences nestled within the tropical haven of Bahía Ballena, Uvita, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The first experience unfolds in the interstitial space, a vibrant outdoor area boasting a wealth of amenities, where inhabitants can soak up the refreshing ambience. The second unfolds under the protective cover of a domed green roof, offering serene views towards the majestic Bahía Ballena Beach.

Sustainability is ingrained in the project’s DNA, manifesting through the utilization of Rammed Earth walls. This technique, while a technical challenge in Costa Rica, bestows a unique aesthetic quality and color to the structure, significantly augmenting its sustainability profile.

The design ethos aligns with the client’s vision of sustainable and regenerative strategies, organically woven into tropical architecture. The project’s key features include a green roof, which aids in energy efficiency and thermal regulation, a lazy river, and an infinity pool, effortlessly blending the built environment with nature’s bounty. Rammed Earth walls not only ensure a sustainable construction but also enhance the aesthetic value of the houses, providing an earthy contrast to the surrounding forest and ocean views.

Client

Selva Oculta de Sueños

Project Date

2022

Category

Featured · Hospitality · Interior · Masterplanning · Residential

Casa El Gregal

El Gregal House

Client

Casa El Gregal

Project Date

2014

Category

Interior · Residential

Casa Arias

Sustainable house in San Antonio, Escazú as part of a family cluster.

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Client

Casa Arias

Project Date

2019

Category

Interior · Masterplanning · Residential

Santa Teresa Boutique Hotel

Nestled in Santa Teresa, Cóbano, Puntarenas, one of Costa Rica’s rapidly evolving landscapes defined by its natural beauty and secluded rural charm, is our boutique hotel project. It spans a narrow private finca, perfectly embodying the context’s verdant richness and vibrant cultural life.

The Santa Teresa Boutique Hotel complex is composed of three detached two-story buildings housing the hotel apartments, complemented by a central clubhouse. These are elegantly interconnected structures, featuring cantilevered terraces and expressive outdoor staircases that celebrate the joy of vertical movement in a tropical setting.

The design language blends modern and traditional elements, featuring a clever mix of wooden walls and louvers alongside crisp white walls. The hipped roofs, a nod to vernacular architecture, are thoughtfully separated from the walls. This gap allows for natural light and air to infuse each space, creating a harmonious dialogue between the built form and its surroundings.

With its unique mix of spatial experiences and thoughtful architectural responses to the tropical climate, the Santa Teresa Boutique Hotel is designed to provide guests a comfortable and immersive stay in the heart of Costa Rica.

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Client

Green Group

Project Date

2010

Category

Hospitality · Interior · Masterplanning · Mixed Use · Residential

Edificio Asouna

Edificio ASOUNA

Contemporary Corporate Costa Rican Architecture. Bioclimatic business offices in Heredia’s city grid that features a fitness gym, commerce, health clinic and a bank.

First place in the ASOUNA Design Competition

Contemporary Costa Rican Layout

Client

Edificio Asouna

Project Date

2019

Category

Institutional · Interior · Masterplanning · Mixed Use

Toriumi

Exclusive residence in Brasilito, near Flamingo Beach and with outstanding views to the Papagayo Gulf. The Costa Rican architecture includes ample terraces, timber decks and pergolas around water and fire.

Client

Danubbia Pampera DP

Project Date

2009

Category

Interior · Masterplanning · Residential

202

Project 202: A Transformation Story in San José

ICESA’s project 202, located in the bustling heart of San José, Costa Rica, epitomizes the potential of architectural renewal. Nestled close to the city’s central park, La Sabana, this project stands as a testament to creative sustainability and thoughtful urban living.

Finding the Perfect Opportunity

For over five years, the firm scoured the region, seeking a property that met the client’s specific demands. The objective? A property to transform into apartments, one of which would house the owner’s family, all within a budget and a location that would align with the goal of reducing the family’s environmental impact.

Despite the challenges posed by the area’s real estate speculation and changes in the neighborhood structure, ICESA finally discovered an abandoned house that provided the perfect opportunity for reinvention.

A New Lease on Life

The project required a delicate balance, preserving what could be salvaged from the deteriorating property while incorporating modern innovations. The original house had no significant architectural or cultural value but provided a solid foundation for transformation.

ICESA’s architects embarked on an ambitious plan that resulted in four distinct apartments, each designed with one to three bedrooms. Natural lighting, high wooden ceilings, and carefully preserved original features like tiles and woodwork were combined with a neutral palette and modern finishes.

Cuatro: The Crown Jewel

Cuatro, the largest of the apartments, features three bedrooms, a mezzanine, and a host of unique design elements. A straight steel stair guarded by reclaimed undulated polycarbonate sheet leads to the upper level. The main bedroom opens to a terrace that offers glimpses of the mountains and streetscape, and a side patio enhances the living area’s connection to the outdoors.

Cuatro’s furniture continues the ethos of the 202 project, incorporating restored 20th-century pieces by local architects Franz Beer and Jorge Bertheau. The landscape design is left as a progressive DIY endeavor for the family, starting with the treatment of existing tiered retaining walls in the backyard.

A Facelift for the Facade

The property’s street-side appearance also underwent significant changes. The original retaining walls failed, necessitating the construction of a new one under the building’s facade. This alteration not only improved the building’s seismic behavior but also enhanced its physical and visual accessibility from the street.

Conclusion

Project 202 by ICESA is more than just a retrofit; it’s a reimagining of urban living. By converting an abandoned house into functional, beautiful apartments, it demonstrates the potential of adaptive reuse and sustainable design. In an area grappling with housing challenges, it offers a solution that respects both environmental goals and family needs. With thoughtful design and attention to detail, project 202 captures the essence of modern Costa Rican living.

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Client

Nardo Rojo S.A.

Project Date

2021

Category

Interior · Mixed Use · Residential

Cansi 2

CANSI 2 House

This lightweight wood-steel house is located in the protected mountains of Cartago. Wood and steel

Client

Cansi

Project Date

2019

Category

Interior · Residential

Samuel

SAMUEL

Business Center in Calle Blancos, San José. Design Competition:Finalist

Client

Samuel

Project Date

2017

Category

Institutional

Casa Beer Fuscaldo I

Casa Beer Fuscaldo

The Casa Beer-Fuscaldo I, located in Faro Escondido, Playa Herradura, Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, is a distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary architectural design. It reinterprets the classical concept of an impluvium, the central open space in a traditional Roman house, by incorporating a lush, tropical “Patio Central,” complete with verdant plants and vegetation. The dining area shares this vibrant setting, creating an inviting, communal hub.

Adding an intriguing design element, a fountain from the impluvium cascades through the living area, extending outward to a pool. This outdoor area, where the pool is located, offers a stunning viewpoint where the sea and mountains intersect in a breathtaking panorama.

The Casa Beer-Fuscaldo I also explores the innovative use of traditional building techniques. Masonry mixes clay and concrete blocks, which are exposed and un-plastered, exuding a raw, natural charm. The building’s aesthetics are further enhanced by a wooden ceiling with intricate “artesones,” offering a captivating interplay of texture and visual appeal.

Location: Herradura, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Area: 900m2
Status: Built

Client

Familias Unidas

Project Date

1999

Category

Featured · Interior · Residential

COSEVI

COSEVI Annex

This Annex Building ti the Cosevi Headquaters will house the administrative offices of the Road Safety Counsel of Costa Rica. The building allocate the program in a compact footprint to reduce the impact on the Torres Riverbank where it is located.

Oficinas contemporaneas frente al rio

Client

MOPT-COSEVI

Project Date

2017

Category

Featured · Institutional · Interior · Masterplanning

View Project

Ruhl House

Ruhl-Linden House

Location: Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Area: 750m2
Status: Built

Client

John Ruhl

Project Date

2007

Category

Interior · Masterplanning · Residential

Casa Music

Tucked away in the verdant landscape of Santa Lucía de Heredia, the Music House is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. Crafted with a delicate interplay of brick and timber, this residence unveils itself to the tranquil mountain views, embodying the symbiosis of architecture and nature. The heart of the house, the living room, rises to a double-height space, housing a cozy, loft-style studio. An artistic concrete roof gutter captures the rain, allowing it to fall gracefully through a circular aperture into a serene inner garden. The shared warmth of a dual-sided fireplace bridges the living and dining rooms, fostering a sense of unity and intimacy. A dramatic cantilevered timber staircase, acting as the home’s architectural centerpiece, anchors the main lobby. The Music House echoes the rhythm and cadence of its environment, embodying a symphony of design and natural beauty.

Photographer: Ricardo Chaves

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Client

Casa Music

Project Date

1984

Category

Interior · Residential

Veritas University – Auditorium and Workshops

Veritas University - Auditorium and Workshops

ICESA, in collaboration with Carlos Azofeifa, has pushed the boundaries of architectural innovation with the design of the Veritas University Auditorium and Design Workshops. A unique institution, Veritas University, champions the creative arts – from Architecture and Interior Design to Animation and Photography. This project was not merely about crafting a structure; it was about encapsulating the institution’s ethos and empowering the creative journeys of its students.

Envisioned as a living classroom, the structure manifests tectonic ideas, sustainability, and programmatic flexibility – mirroring Veritas University’s core values. It includes two distinct bodies – the introverted auditorium and the dynamic design workshops, positioned to balance their contrasting characteristics and control solar light penetration.

The auditorium, located to the north, is a self-contained entity, radiating robust character with its solid, insulated form. In contrast, the workshops are set to the south, their light-filled, transparent spaces in constant flux, designed to invite the outside in, sparking creativity and innovation.

At the heart of these contrasting bodies is a dynamic, triple-height central atrium awash with zenithal light. An asymmetric ramp connects this space, encouraging student interactions and fostering a vibrant atmosphere. This architectural feat blends seamlessly into the university’s main square, symbolizing the educational journey taking place within.

Materials were selected for their practicality and aesthetic quality, with corrugated zinc-aluminum panels chosen for their cost-effectiveness, lightness, easy maintenance, and bioclimatic advantages. This, combined with touches of wood to soften the visual impact, culminates in a calm, understated yet impactful institutional building with a theatrical presence. The Veritas University Auditorium and Design Workshops truly epitomize a blend of architecture and pedagogy, empowering students to create, learn, and grow.

Location: San José, Costa Rica
Area: 4500m2
Status: Built

Level 3 Floorplan for Veritas University's Auditorium and Workshop Building

Level 2 Floorplan for Veritas University's Auditorium and Workshop Building

Level 1 Floorplan for Veritas University's Auditorium and Workshop Building

Building Elevations and Sections for Veritas University's Auditorium and Workshop

Client

Universidad Veritas

Project Date

2006

Category

Featured · Institutional · Interior · Masterplanning · Urban Design

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Miura House

Mata Redonda, Sabana. 3 storey house in a slope. Addaptative Costa Rican Architecture

Client

Inversiones Miura

Project Date

1984

Category

Interior · Masterplanning · Residential

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