Yolanda
Townhouse

A Vertical Garden

Residential

Santa Teresa

2022

Refined Coastal Living on a Compact Santa Teresa Lot.

The Yolanda Townhouse Project is part of Studio Octava’s exploration of contemporary tropical living along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Designed on a relatively small lot, the project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can transform limited space into a generous living experience. Every square meter was carefully considered to ensure the villa fits naturally within its footprint while remaining open, calm, and connected to its surroundings.

Architecture Shaped Directly by the Site.

The compact size of the property required a precise and highly tailored architectural response. Rather than applying a standard layout, the design was developed specifically around the lot’s dimensions, access, and urban context. The resulting vertically organized structure maximizes usable space while maintaining comfort, natural light, and ventilation throughout the home.

Vertical Gardens as the Core Design Strategy.

Located along a busy road in Santa Teresa, privacy and atmosphere were key design drivers from the outset. A vertical garden first approach was used to create a green buffer between the public street and private living spaces. Integrated planting filters views, reduces noise, and softens the building’s presence, turning a challenging location into a calm and immersive environment.

Indoor Outdoor Living Framed by Green Layers.

Living spaces are arranged behind layers of vegetation, allowing light and airflow while maintaining a sense of retreat. Terraces, balconies, and social areas open toward planted facades rather than directly toward the street or neighboring properties. This inward focused layout creates a strong connection to nature and enhances everyday comfort within a compact footprint.

Warm Minimalist Interiors for Tropical Comfort.

The interior design focuses on simplicity, natural textures, and a restrained material palette suited for coastal conditions. Finishes were selected for durability and ease of maintenance while maintaining a refined and welcoming atmosphere. The interiors support both private living and rental use, offering comfort without unnecessary complexity.

High Impact Design Through Smart Constraints.

Yolanda Townhouses show how small lots can become an advantage when approached with clarity and intent. By embracing vertical organization and a garden led design concept, the project achieves privacy, identity, and a strong sense of place despite its busy surroundings. The result is a compact yet rich villa experience that reflects Studio Octava’s commitment to intelligent tropical architecture in Costa Rica.

PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

ArCHitecturE:

Studio Octava

Interior Design:

Studio Octava

General Contractor:

Proyecta S.R.L

Structural Engineering:

Proyecta S.R.L

MEP Engineering:

Proyecta S.R.L

Other Collaborators:

Lighting Design:

Studio Octava

Photography:

Studio Octava

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.