Casa Azucar by Studio Saxe: Contemporary Tropical Oasis in Nosara, Costa Rica

Nestled in the heart of Nosara’s renowned blue zone, Casa Azucar by Studio Saxe is a contemporary tropical residence designed to harmonize with its lush natural surroundings. Commissioned by Canadian clients seeking a year-round tropical escape, the project emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, ecological sensitivity, and family-friendly spaces while respecting existing trees and a seasonal creek traversing the property.

Concept and Site Integration

The property’s prime location offered easy access to local amenities and the beach but also presented challenges with neighboring properties. Central to the design was the small creek, which serves as both a natural wildlife corridor and a spatial anchor for the home. The architectural strategy focused on crafting a secluded oasis, merging landscape and architecture to create framed views of the creek, forest, and local fauna. Conceptually, the house functions as a “habitable garden pavilion,” blending seamlessly into its natural context.

Architectural Design

The home is sited across the seasonal creek, maximizing privacy and serenity while maintaining connectivity to the environment. Entryways and circulation are choreographed to reveal spectacular creek views, with communal areas oriented toward nature. Ground-floor bedrooms open directly to gardens, while upper-floor rooms provide panoramic mid-canopy views, highlighting the vibrant wildlife and lush forest landscape. Strategically placed planter boxes and vegetation enhance privacy and create a sensory experience that balances seclusion with accessibility.

Interior Design

Saxe Interiors collaborated closely with the architecture team to create a cohesive, modern tropical aesthetic. Materials, finishes, and loose furniture flow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces, evoking lightness and comfort. Local artisans crafted bespoke furnishings, ensuring authenticity, durability, and support for the regional community. Interiors reflect the clients’ desire for a clean, beach-like ambiance with soft textures, light tones, and modern details rooted in local traditions. The result is a vacation home suitable for both family living and rental purposes throughout the year.

Landscape Architecture

The landscape design integrates existing trees, topography, and water movements, fostering ecological interaction with birds, butterflies, and native plants. An internal garden at the entrance adds color and vibrancy, while planter boxes on upper floors provide privacy and frame nature views. The synergy between architecture and landscape ensures a seamless connection with the surrounding environment.

Sustainability

From its inception, Casa Azucar embraced bioclimatic passive design principles. Strategically positioned parasols and vegetation manage sunlight, airflow, and cooling naturally. Water is harvested and recycled for irrigation, while traditional local techniques blend with modern technology, achieving a sustainable and future-conscious home that honors Costa Rican heritage.

Construction and Materials

Prefabricated steel structures were assembled on-site to minimize environmental impact. Bleached teak is featured in ceilings and floors, and expansive aluminum window systems allow full flexibility of space. Kitchen, bathroom, and built-in furniture were fabricated locally, combining contemporary materials with regional craftsmanship for a unique, luxurious yet grounded finish.

Casa Azucar exemplifies contemporary tropical design, balancing privacy, ecological sensitivity, and family-centered living in Nosara’s lush blue zone community.

All photographs are works of  Andres Garcia Lachner