A Composition of Land and Light in costa rica
Casa Solai is a new private residence designed by Studio Saxe, located in the coastal hills of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Positioned above the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by dense jungle, the project balances openness and privacy through a pair of timber-clad volumes connected by a central vestibule.
Set within the contours of the terrain, the home unfolds between two distinct pavilions. One is embedded into the hillside, and the other floats above it. Each volume is strategically oriented to capture views of the ocean while remaining immersed in the landscape. The transition between these structures occurs in an open-air space that acts as both threshold and gathering area, shaping the experience of movement through the home.
The upper pavilion is enclosed in a rhythmic brise soleil screen of bamboo louvers, which filters sunlight and encourages cross-ventilation. From a distance, this layered envelope gives the volume a sense of weightlessness. At ground level, dense vegetation and local stone finishes reinforce the home’s material connection to its site.
images © Alvaro Fonseca – Depth Lens
casa solai hides within a lush garden
Approached by a stepped stone path that winds through native planting, Studio Saxe’s Casa Solai reveals itself in sequences — first through the vegetation, then through the interstitial void that separates and links the two boxes. The journey culminates in a framed view of the horizon, just beyond a pool that seems to extend into the sky.
Throughout the project, the architects pay attention to material transitions and structural resolution. A steel framework supports the timber-clad volumes, allowing for large spans and minimal site disruption. Glass panels with slender framing preserve panoramic views without compromising thermal performance. Inside, the joinery and detailing echo the precision of the architectural form, reinforcing a sense of quiet coherence.
two timber pavilions are linked by an open vestibule that shapes circulation and view
Interior Architecture by studio saxe
Studio Saxe designs the interior architecture and furnishings in tandem with the building, establishing a cohesive spatial vocabulary from the project’s inception. Reforested teak ceilings and textured stone walls create a subdued palette that mirrors the surrounding landscape. Built-in planters, integrated lighting, and sculptural fixtures are positioned with intention, merging environmental sensitivity with functional elegance.
Furniture pieces, such as the long dining table, are custom designed by Studio Saxe to reflect the project’s structural geometry. The interiors express restraint and warmth, with select decorative elements and materials sourced from local artisans and craftspeople. The result is a living environment that feels grounded in its place and time, while maintaining a sense of clarity and lightness.
Casa Solai is located on a hilltop in Santa Teresa overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Casa Solai is designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating passive cooling, solar energy, and water harvesting systems. The bamboo louvers, made from rapidly renewable mosso bamboo, support the home’s energy efficiency by reducing heat gain and facilitating natural airflow. Operable glass elements further enhance ventilation and minimize reliance on mechanical systems.
Materials were selected for durability and regional appropriateness, including locally harvested teak and volcanic stone. These choices contribute to a resilient construction that requires minimal maintenance while aging naturally with the environment.
Studio Saxe designed the architecture, interiors, and furniture as one unified system
The building sits atop a reinforced concrete plinth that stabilizes it against seismic forces while visually grounding the lower volume. Above this base, the prefabricated steel frame was assembled with care to avoid unnecessary disturbance to the site. The lightweight structure allowed for a phased construction process and enabled high levels of craftsmanship in finishing.
the most technically complex feature is the suspended louver system, which required close collaboration between architects, engineers, and builders to achieve its floating appearance. As a whole, the home presents a considered architectural response to both its setting and its program.
a bamboo brise soleil filters light and air while giving the upper volume a floating quality
the house is approached through dense vegetation along a gently stepping stone path
material detailing is precise with glass, teak, and stone joining in clean transitions
passive cooling and solar systems support a self-sufficient lifestyle off the grid
project info:
name: Casa Solai
architect, interior design: Studio Saxe | @studiosaxe
location: Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
completion: 2024
photography: © Alvaro Fonseca – Depth Lens | @depth.lens
design director: Benjamin G Saxe
project team: Fernanda Valverde, Sebastián Pasapera, Mónica Hernández
builder: Construcoast
landscape: Vida Design Studio
structural engineer: Guidi ingeniería
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