Villa Áurea / Studio Saxe

Architects: Studio Saxe
Area: 532 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Studio Saxe
Interior Design: Saxe Interiors
Builder: AA Building Co, Adrián Alvarado – AA Building Co
Electromechanical Engineer: CIEM
Structural Engineer: Sotela Alfaro LTDA
Category: Houses
Partner: Benjamin G Saxe
Client: Private
Town: Tamarindo
Country: Costa Rica

Villa Áurea, designed by Studio Saxe in Costa Rica, emerges from a sloping terrain to establish a seamless connection between land and sky, integrating architecture with the natural landscape. A curved, umbrella-like roof forms the dominant gesture, sheltering pavilion-style spaces beneath, which are separated by ventilated corridors that allow for natural airflow and expansive views. Parts of the program are embedded into the ground, following the topography to reduce visual mass and deepen the bond with the earth. The wide roof provides solar and rain protection, while cross-ventilation is achieved through the separation of volumes. Local materials such as laminated timber and stone root the project to its environment, while a discovered stone on-site inspired the design of a central cellar space. The construction system, using pre-stressed wooden pillars and minimal land intervention, supports modular roof forms over distinct programmatic zones. Interior design integrates art and nature, with custom mosaics by a local artist and furniture made from Guanacaste and Guapinol trees salvaged from the site. The house reflects traditional values, modern comfort, and a family’s joyful spirit inspired by Costa Rica’s coast and oceanic life.

Concept – Studio Saxe applied a deliberate design approach that merges architecture with the natural environment. When presented with a sloping site, the design responded by reflecting the land’s contours to create a continuous connection between the ground and the sky. This integration allows the built form to act as a natural mediator, strengthening the relationship between natural elements.

Design – The design process began with the development of a strong, curved silhouette in the form of an umbrella-like roof that mirrors the contours of the land. Beneath this structure, pavilion-style spaces are separated by ventilated corridors that can be opened or closed to engage with the outdoors, allowing fresh air to circulate and revealing expansive views. To reduce the building’s visual mass and foster a sense that it rises naturally from the terrain, the remaining program was carefully embedded into the ground, following the site’s natural topography.

Sustainability – The design incorporates independent volumes throughout the home, allowing for effective cross-ventilation that helps lower interior temperatures. A large roof extends over the structure, offering protection from sun exposure and rainfall, which promotes indoor comfort with minimal dependence on mechanical systems. The use of locally sourced laminated timber and stone grounds the architecture in its specific context and enhances the authenticity of the structure.

Construction – Making use of the site’s solid rock foundation, which ruled out deep excavation, the team developed an innovative construction system using pre-stressed wooden pillars and beams. These structural elements were assembled with care and attached minimally to the terrain in order to preserve the natural landscape. They support the organically shaped roof, which shelters a series of small, independent modules for bedrooms, social areas, circulation, and other functions. During construction, the unexpected discovery of solid stone beneath a working space led to a key design decision. This natural feature was embraced and converted into the most intimate part of the home: a cellar embedded within the earth. This unplanned element marked both the conclusion of the building process and the beginning of the family’s experience of their new home.

Interior Design – The design approach treats landscape, interiors, and architecture as fundamentally interconnected. The interior design focused not only on functionality but also on the relationship between art and beauty, ensuring seamless integration with both the natural surroundings and the architectural form. This comprehensive strategy creates a space that provides modern comfort while remaining grounded in traditional architectural values and evoking enduring emotional connections to nature and the ocean.

Specific Design Elements – The project involved a careful selection of architectural and interior materials across various spaces, including the social areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, terraces, and the wine cellar. Spatial planning was optimized with close attention to how materials transition between different areas. A key feature of the design is the series of custom mosaic artworks developed in collaboration with a local artist. These mosaics, installed in bathrooms and shared spaces, reflect the client’s personality and introduce a personalized element to the home. Materials such as cork were also used to reinforce the connection between the interior and the surrounding natural environment.

Most of the furniture was made from wood sourced directly from the client’s land, using salvaged Guanacaste and Guapinol trees. This custom furniture was locally produced through a detailed two-and-a-half-year process to ensure exceptional quality and suitability for both indoor and outdoor use. High-performance European textiles were chosen to complement the natural materials, providing added durability and comfort. Custom lighting fixtures, created by a local artisan, introduce a handcrafted element to all bathroom spaces. The interior design reflects the vitality and joy of the family, drawing inspiration from the vibrant tones of the coastline and the deep colors of the underwater landscape. The result is a home that satisfies contemporary lifestyle requirements while remaining rooted in enduring traditions and a profound connection to the natural world.