JP Guest House

A Dark Jewel in the Jungle

Residential

Hermosa

2024

A Bold Yet Quiet Presence in the Tropical Jungle.

The JP Guest House is conceived as a strong architectural gesture that remains calm and respectful of its natural surroundings. Elevated on stilts and wrapped in dark timber cladding, the building stands in deliberate contrast to the lush green rainforest while still feeling deeply embedded within it. This balance between visibility and restraint allows the house to feel grounded, intentional, and closely connected to the forest canopy around it.

Designed for Calm, Privacy, and Everyday Comfort.

The design responds to the client’s wish for understated luxury rather than a showpiece. The layout follows a clear and efficient logic, with two private bedrooms positioned at opposite ends of a central living area. This arrangement creates privacy while maintaining a strong sense of openness and flow. The result is a compact yet generous guest house that feels well proportioned, quiet, and easy to inhabit.

Elevated Construction as a Climate and Site Strategy .

Raising the structure above ground minimizes impact on the terrain and preserves natural water flow and vegetation below. At the same time, the elevated design improves ventilation, enhances passive cooling, and protects the building from moisture in the tropical climate. This approach allows the guest house to respond intelligently to local conditions while maintaining long term durability.

Materiality Inspired by the Surrounding Forest.

Charred timber cladding defines the exterior and sets the tone for the entire project. The dark material palette continues inside, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere that feels calm and retreat like. Combined with filtered views into the jungle, the material choices reinforce the idea of the guest house as a quiet refuge that blends contemporary architecture with its tropical context.

PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

ArCHitecturE:

Studio Octava

Interior Design:

Studio Octava

General Contractor:

Structural Engineering:

MEP Engineering:

Other Collaborators:

Lighting Design:

Photography:

About Studio Octava

We are a full-service architecture firm designing and developing high-quality residential, hotel, and commercial projects across Costa Rica. We work closely with our clients from the first idea through delivery, personally guiding each project with a deep understanding of the local context, construction process, and on-site realities.