This project is the very first “rammed earth” implementation in Costa Rica. Two minimalist-shaped villas designed for short-term rent partially levitate above the edge of a steep hill of the overgrown jungle and bring endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Both villas were designed with respect to sustainability and the surrounding wild environment.
Architecture firm
Formafatal
Location
Playa Hermosa, OSA Uvita – Bahia Ballena, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Principal architect
Dagmar Štěpánová
Collaborators
Rammed earth walls: Terra Compacta [Daniel Mantovani]. Statics: Ch. Vargas. Garden: Dagmar Štěpánová [part of the architectural project]. Realization: construction leader Willy Jeferson Céspedes Vargas + local workers. Realization of screed surfaces: Different Design [Pavel Trousil]. Graphic design [logo]: Zuzana Vemeová.
Built area
Built-up Area 190 m² / 95 m² per villa; Gross Floor Area 180 m² / 90 m² per villa; Usable Floor Area 180 m² / 90 m² per villa
Material
Clay – perimeter bearing walls. Concrete – floor slabs, interior walls, ceiling slabs, plunge pool, furniture (kitchen unit with sink and Shelves, bedside tables, outdoor bench (all according to the author's design). Raw structural steel /H-beams and U-beams/ – columns and rim/attic roof. Cement screed /Ecobeton Italy/ – colored surfaces (floor and walls, furniture according to the author's design). PlyRock (fibre cement board) – Sliding interior panel (shower/toilet) and dining table (all according to the author's design). Glass – parts of the facades. Teak massive– beds (according to the author's design). 100% linen – all fabric (bedding, curtains, mosquito nets).
Client
Dagmar Štěpánová & Karel Vančura
Typology
Hospitality, Resort, Villas
