StudioOctava

Finca Chica

Finca Chica is a stunning blend of traditional farmhouse-style elements and tropical building components that compose a beautiful ensemble nestled in the lush hills of Nosara. Our goal was to create a seamless indoor/outdoor living experience that embraces the stunning natural surroundings and takes advantage of the prevailing airflow from the surrounding hillscape. While the house does not offer a sea view, it boasts a breathtaking vista surrounded by picturesque oversized bonsai-like trees.

 

Task

Design a captivating, tropical farmhouse that embraces the beauty of its natural surroundings atop a picturesque hill. Utilize some of StudioOctava's design language of dynamic curves without complicating the construction of it. Achieve a perfect balance of stunning views and ultimate privacy, eliminating the need for curtains. Employ innovative landscaping techniques to create a secluded haven. Utilize high-quality, weathered materials to seamlessly blend the building with the surrounding vegetation of Nosara.

  • Design

    M. Usher, R. Portillo, R. Lopez, F. Mena, J. Salas, M. Arce, A. Cespedes

  • Location

    Nosara

  • Year

    2024

Project Update

Exciting news from Nosara! We have begun the groundbreaking process and are currently making preparations for the foundation work. The project is underway and progress is being made. Stay tuned for further updates!

A farmhouse-style inspired home with a tropical twist.

Carefully planned to harmonize with the environment, Finca Chica gracefully wraps around the mountain, offering panoramic views of this verdant paradise while utilizing sustainable materials and a thoughtfully chosen design. Expansive windows invite abundant natural light and gentle breezes, while the passive solar design maximizes comfort. It’s a living space that effortlessly blends with nature. The design features of the building, including its shape, material choices, and color scheme, have been carefully selected to seamlessly integrate it into the natural landscape of Nosara.

During the course of this project, our team came across a truly distinctive topography. The property boasts a central high point, accompanied by slopes that extend in various directions. Notably, one side is oriented towards a busy road, whereas the other side presents awe-inspiring vistas of a lush hill adorned with a plethora of majestic trees. Confronted with this context, our primary objective became twofold: to address privacy concerns stemming from passing cars and to conceive a building design that flawlessly assimilates into the natural landscape, thus sidestepping any possibility of an imposing and incongruous presence.

Carefully planned to harmonize with the environment, Finca Chica architecture gracefully wraps around the a hill, offering panoramic views of this verdant paradise while utilizing sustainable materials and a thoughtfully chosen design. Expansive windows invite abundant natural light and gentle breezes, while the passive solar design maximizes comfort. It’s a living space that effortlessly blends with nature. The design features of the building, including its shape, material choices, and color scheme, have been carefully selected to seamlessly integrate it into the natural landscape of Nosara.

The interior of Finca Chica is just as breathtaking as its exterior. The space is adorned with elegant furnishings that combine modern elements with traditional handcrafted pieces. High ceilings and open floor plans create an airy atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and unwinding. The living area features comfortable seating where you can enjoy the stunning views or cozy up next to the fireplace on cooler nights. The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, making it a chef’s dream. The bedrooms are designed to provide a peaceful retreat, with plush bedding and large windows offering scenic views. And the bathrooms are luxurious, featuring spa-like amenities that will make you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway.

As architects in Costa Rica, we take great care to seamlessly integrate our buildings within the awe-inspiring surrounding environment. Our meticulous approach ensures that our structures harmonize with the natural beauty, creating a captivating atmosphere that entices individuals to choose this location for their construction projects. We are inspired by the natural beauty of Costa Rica and strive to create structures that amplify this beauty rather than detract from it. Finca Chica, for example, is a testament to our commitment to sustainable design and our ability to integrate living spaces seamlessly with their natural surroundings.

The home is designed to utilize prevailing air flow, effectively reducing the need for AC.

Utilizing natural air flow to cool buildings is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach that significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon footprint. This time-tested method, with its diverse techniques and design elements, has been employed by cultures worldwide for centuries. In hot regions like Nosara, implementing this approach becomes particularly crucial. As an architect in Costa Rica, we understand the importance of utilizing natural resources and minimizing our impact on the environment. That’s why we take great care in designing homes that are not only beautiful but also sustainable.

Our team of experienced architects in Costa Rica is well-versed in various sustainable design practices and techniques. Although there are from time to time new technological advancements that can help cooling a building it usually comes down to implementing the basic, century-old techniques that don’t need any expensive investment but instead only smart planning. This way we can ensure our structures have a minimal impact on the environment and are not only aesthetically pleasing but also contribute positively towards preserving the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

In projects like this, we love to also work with interior courtyards that have the positive effect of amplifying any natural cooling effort. In this project, we have incorporated a strategically placed interior courtyard near the social area as part of our commitment to ecological building principles while maintaining aesthetics and functionality. This carefully planned design promotes better airflow through the use of a variety of plants that provide shade and fresh air. Additionally, it allows for more natural light to enter the space while still ensuring privacy. 

 

The best architects in Costa Rica apply a truly sustainable design. At StudioOctava we want to be part of this elite group. We take pride in our environmentally conscious designs that not only benefit the residents but also have a positive impact on the surrounding environment. In addition to designing homes that are eco-friendly, we also strive to use locally sourced materials and work with local craftsmen, supporting the community and economy. Our sustainable design principles extend beyond just environmental considerations, as we also focus on creating spaces that enhance well-being and quality of life for our clients.

Role of an Architect in Nosara

As an architect in Nosara, our goal is to create homes that reflect the local environment while incorporating modern design elements. We are well-versed in the local building codes and regulations, ensuring that our projects comply with all necessary permits and guidelines. Our team also has extensive knowledge of sustainable building practices and techniques, making us a valuable resource for clients looking to build eco-friendly homes in Nosara. In addition to designing homes, architects play a crucial role in project management and coordination with other professionals involved in the construction process. At StudioOctava, we work closely with contractors, engineers, and suppliers to ensure that our projects are completed efficiently and within budget.

Working with StudioOctava

Choosing an experienced and reputable architect can make all the difference when it comes to building your dream home in Nosara. Our team at StudioOctava has extensive experience working on various projects in the area, giving us a deep understanding of the local landscape, climate, and culture. We also have established relationships with trusted contractors and suppliers, ensuring that our clients receive top-quality workmanship and materials for their homes. By hiring us as your architects in Costa Rica, you can save time, money, and stress while creating a truly unique and sustainable living space. We are looking forward talking about your project! Get in touch via project@studiooctava.com and lets have a chat about your project.

 

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or drop us a mail with your question here: project@studiooctava.com