Permeable House in Costa Rica Built Around Majestic Trees

QBO3 Arquitectos completed the design of a modern residence in Puerto Carrillo, Costa Rica. The “Tree House” comes with a total living surface of 280 square meters (3,010 square feet) and offers a nature escape from the hectic city life. Conserving the largest number of trees on the property was the starting point for the design. Another brief requirement was to create an optimum indoor-outdoor connection.

“The house needed to be safe since it remains uninhabited for many weeks a year and resistant to the climatic conditions that affect the area, such as heavy rains, sea breeze and hot temperatures,” the architects said. “From these limitations, we come up with the idea of a concrete refuge armed with permeable membranes that adapt to the climate.”
The house is composed of three areas for various social functions. An existing tree that crossed the living area was creatively integrated into the design. As you step inside, you find the kitchen island, dining room and the sofa, which surrounds the tree.

The enclosure in exposed steel is perforated with an abstract pattern designed from the art made by the client. A large percentage of the windows are protected by these perforated steel structures that generate an interaction with the movement of the sun. Information courtesy of QBO3 Arquitectos; photography by Carlos Vásquez.