House with a View by Studio Saxe: A Modern Tropical Retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica

A Contemporary Sanctuary Overlooking the Ocean

Nestled in the lush landscape of Nosara, Costa Rica, House with a View by Studio Saxe redefines tropical living with its modern, minimalist design. Framing breathtaking ocean and mountain vistas, this architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a sanctuary that embodies elegance, sustainability, and harmony with nature.

Inspired by Nature, Designed for Comfort

Commissioned by international clients seeking an escape from the harsh Canadian winters, this residence was envisioned as a tranquil retreat that merges contemporary aesthetics with the warmth of the tropics. The design embraces biophilic architecture, allowing residents to engage deeply with their surroundings while enjoying modern comforts.

A Design Rooted in Simplicity and Functionality

Situated on an elevated site, the home’s structure is composed of clean geometric lines, allowing for unobstructed views of the landscape. The lightweight yet sturdy construction creates a delicate balance between permanence and openness. The architectural form was stripped down to its essentials, emphasizing a strong visual and spatial connection with the lush environment.

The layout fosters fluid movement between social and private spaces. The ground level features an open-plan living area that extends onto a spacious terrace and infinity pool, reinforcing the seamless indoor-outdoor experience. A double-height atrium links the lower and upper floors, filling the home with natural light and enhancing ventilation. The upper level houses private spaces, offering a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of the ocean and forested hills.

Sustainable Strategies for a Low-Impact Home

Sustainability is at the heart of House with a View. The design incorporates passive cooling strategies, including cross-ventilation and a chimney effect facilitated by the central atrium, reducing the need for artificial cooling. Elevated living spaces encourage airflow, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate year-round.

Key sustainable features include:

• Rainwater collection and water recycling systems to minimize resource consumption
• Solar water heating for energy efficiency
• Prefabricated construction methods to reduce site impact and waste

Locally sourced materials such as teak wood, combined with modern elements like concrete, steel, and high-performance glazing, create a refined aesthetic while ensuring durability in the tropical climate.

Efficient Construction and Thoughtful Material Selection

The simplicity of the architectural form streamlined the construction process, allowing for efficient material connections while maintaining a refined aesthetic. The use of prefabrication not only reduced environmental disruption but also ensured precision in execution, especially given the site's mountainous terrain.

By integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary building techniques, House with a View stands as a testament to how sustainable architecture can coexist with modern luxury, all while honoring the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Redefining Tropical Modernism

Through innovative design, passive sustainability, and seamless indoor-outdoor integration, Studio Saxe has crafted a residence that embodies the essence of tropical modernism. House with a View offers a living experience where architectural simplicity and nature-driven solutions create a home that is both elegant and environmentally responsible.

All Photographs are works of Andres Garcia Lachner, Sergio Pucci