Studio Saxe has completed Solai House, a remarkable residential project in Costa Rica that showcases two distinctive wooden pavilions rising gracefully above the jungle canopy. The 2024 project, photographed by Alvaro Fonseca, creates a stunning dialogue between architecture and nature while framing panoramic ocean views and integrating seamlessly with the lush topography below.
The architectural concept centers on a fascinating interplay of opposites - between elements anchored to the ground and those that appear to float in mid-air, between protected spaces and open areas. Design Director Benjamin G Saxe developed a design language that is both structural and symbolic, featuring two geometric forms where one remains grounded to the land while the other seems to hover effortlessly above the landscape. A carefully composed interstitial space unites these contrasting volumes, creating meaningful moments of transition, pause, and connection throughout the residence.
Wood brise-soleil elements wrap the upper structure, providing sophisticated control over natural light and airflow while amplifying the sensation that the building hovers above the ground. This fragmented architectural composition creates layered moments of arrival, carefully framed views, and establishes a fluid relationship between the built environment and the wild jungle setting. The central lobby serves as the heart of the residence, anchoring the overall composition while connecting the master suite and guest rooms in a unified spatial experience.
Access to the residence unfolds via a gentle stone path framed by dense native vegetation, gradually revealing itself through multiple layers of greenery and meticulously crafted surfaces. The residence develops between two expressive box-shaped volumes that remain distinct in character - one settled directly on the hillside and the other elevated and clad in an intricate system of wooden slats. Meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the carpentry work and material transitions, with each junction carefully resolved to reflect the purity of the overall architectural concept.
Large glass panels with thin frames maintain optimal thermal comfort while inviting constant interaction with the surrounding environment. The interstitial space between the volumes becomes a tranquil threshold that frames the jungle beyond and carefully choreographs circulation patterns with the surrounding trees. An open staircase appears to float within a vertical garden, while cascading terraces flow into an infinity pool that perfectly reflects the distant horizon. On certain days of the year, residents can witness the moon setting over the ocean in a moment of natural theater framed by the house itself.
Studio Saxe directed the interior architecture, design, and decoration from the early conceptual stages, allowing for the development of a unified spatial narrative over six years of collaboration with construction company Construcoast. The interiors reflect perfect integration with the architectural envelope, featuring reforested local teak ceilings and natural stone walls that bring texture and continuity throughout the spaces. A carefully selected palette of soft, earthy colors evokes the dusty, coastal atmosphere characteristic of Santa Teresa.
The interior design process balanced custom international elements with the exceptional work of local artists and craftsmen, incorporating handmade tiles, sculptural lighting fixtures, and stone surfaces rich in natural fossils. Custom-designed furniture pieces, including a distinctive dining table created exclusively for this project by Studio Saxe, draw inspiration from the structural language of the house itself. The result creates an environment perceived as both raw and sophisticated, simple in essence yet remarkably rich in architectural details.
Given the remote location of the site, the house was conceived as a completely self-sufficient system with advanced sustainability features. Rainwater is collected and filtered on-site, while energy needs are met through solar integration and passive design strategies developed in collaboration with Guidi Ingeniería for structural engineering and Vida Design Studio for landscape design. The floating brise-soleil slats are constructed from responsibly harvested moso bamboo, a renewable and fast-growing material that provides both structural strength and superior climate performance.
These lightweight bamboo elements effectively reduce solar gain, promote natural cross-ventilation, and contribute significantly to the building's sensation of levitation above the jungle floor. Reforested teak roofs and durable stone surfaces ensure longevity with minimal maintenance requirements, while operable glass panels enhance passive cooling strategies and reduce the need for artificial climate control systems. Built-in planters bring vegetation directly into the heart of the house, while intelligent systems for lighting, audio, and shading are discreetly integrated to enhance comfort without disrupting the spatial purity of the design.
The construction approach employed a robust concrete foundation that anchors the house securely to the terrain, providing protection against seismic activity while securing the structure firmly to the ground. Above this foundation, a lightweight prefabricated steel structure supports the wood-clad pavilions, minimizing land disturbance and allowing for precise execution during the construction process. The suspended slats required innovative structural coordination to achieve their weightless appearance, representing a significant engineering achievement.
This hybrid construction approach allowed the building process to unfold in carefully planned stages, preserving the natural features of the site while achieving a refined architectural expression that appears to float effortlessly above the jungle floor. The completed Solai House stands as a testament to sustainable luxury architecture, demonstrating how contemporary design can honor and enhance its natural setting while providing exceptional living spaces that celebrate the beauty of Costa Rica's coastal landscape.
