AD I 28 House by KMA: A Harmonious Fusion of Architecture, Nature, and the Costa Rican Lifestyle
A modern tropical home in Costa Rica, blending indoor-outdoor living, natural materials, and privacy to embrace the pura vida lifestyle.
Nestled in a serene gated community near Playa Marbella, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, AD I 28 House by KMA. Katia Marten Arquitectos is a modern residential retreat designed to celebrate the "pura vida" lifestyle through seamless integration with nature. With a total built-up area of 255 square meters, this 2022 residence creates a tranquil atmosphere where indoor and outdoor living become one holistic experience.
Design Philosophy: Privacy, Connection, and Simplicity
Led by Katia Marten Herrero and designed in collaboration with Diego Sanchez Gil, the architecture of Casa AD centers around three guiding principles: privacy, connection with nature, and the invitation of the outdoors into interior spaces. These elements manifest through a refined spatial layout divided into two main volumes—one for social gathering and the other for private living. Arranged in an L-shaped configuration, the house tactically shields itself from neighboring properties and public view, offering a haven of seclusion and serenity.
Architecture and Context: Tropical Modernism in Guanacaste
Taking advantage of Costa Rica’s tropical dry forest and year-round warm climate, the home is meticulously oriented to embrace natural light, airflow, and views of lush surroundings. The main façade, formed by two linear stone walls, guides visitors through a threshold experience—framing a unique entry door and opening toward a terrace with an infinity pool that reflects the surrounding trees and sky.
Glass walls and large openings dissolve boundaries between interior and exterior, creating a fluid and immersive spatial journey. Every material, from natural stone to native wood, has been selected to reinforce the connection with the local environment while emphasizing sustainability and warmth.
Living in Harmony: Embracing Outdoor Life
The essence of Casa AD is outdoor living—spaces that breathe, invite nature in, and foster moments of togetherness. The infinity-edge pool, open-air terrace, and landscaped courtyards serve as extensions of the home's interior, where guests can relax, socialize, and enjoy the biodiversity of Costa Rica.
Interior design choices echo this vision. Carefully curated furniture, louvers, native vegetation, and custom woodwork contribute to a high-vibration, biophilic atmosphere. This home is more than a structure—it’s an experience designed to promote well-being, joy, and generational memories.
Sustainability and Sensory Experience
In line with KMA's design ethos, Casa AD is energy-conscious, climate-responsive, and emotionally resonant. Its passive cooling strategies, reliance on natural cross-ventilation, and emphasis on daylighting ensure comfort and efficiency. The team thoughtfully crafted every element—from the tactile materials to the placement of openings—to nurture health, mindfulness, and joy.
A Legacy of Design and Intention
Casa AD stands as a testament to KMA’s commitment to people-centric, nature-integrated architecture. It is not only a home—it is a place that tells the story of living well, loving deeply, and being present in nature.
