Casa Colina

A coastal residence shaped by material contrast, tropical climate, and a close relationship with the Pacific landscape.

Residential • Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica • 2023 • 650m²

Located in the hills above Esterillos Oeste, Casa Colina is a 650m² private residence shaped by its relationship to the Pacific coastline and the surrounding tropical landscape. Selected by the clients for its proximity to the beach and elevated setting, the project balances openness and protection through a carefully layered architectural approach.

Defined by a rich palette of wood, stone, concrete, and metal, the residence explores contrast as a central design idea — balancing warmth and solidity, openness and privacy, refinement and ruggedness. These materials are carefully woven together to create a home deeply connected to both climate and place.

Design Decisions

Casa Colina was conceived as a home of complementary contrasts — where materials, volumes, and spatial experiences work together to create both drama and intimacy. The architecture carefully balances robust, grounded elements with lighter, more open spaces that frame views and encourage connection to the surrounding environment.

Deep overhangs, passive climatic responses, and a strong indoor-outdoor relationship respond directly to Costa Rica’s tropical conditions, while the layering of natural materials reinforces a sense of permanence, warmth, and belonging within the landscape.

Perched above the Pacific coast, Casa Colina embraces the textures, climate, and rhythms of tropical living — creating a residence where architecture and landscape feel deeply interconnected, and where moments of openness are balanced by comfort, warmth, and retreat.