Anapanasati House by Aarcano Arquitectura
This is a house located in the middle of the dry forest of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, a place that used to be a cattle ranch. The work began with the reforestation of the property and selecting the right location of the house: The topography, wind, views and orientation were considered very carefully in that matter.
Due to the absence of natural shadow and the lengthy dry season, we conceptualized the space as a folding surface that is separated from the ground, creating a more confortable living space under its protection.
The house consists in a core of double height that contains the central living area. From here, it’s possible to have views to the surroundings 360°, and also this space connects the rest of the program: three bedrooms, a entertainment room, dinning and kitchen, and two terraces.
We have design a tropical space in its essence: necessity of shadow, natural ventilation, low-tech construction, integration with the natural context, open and outdoor spaces… just to mention some strategies. What differences this house is the spatial configuration: how to be local but not conventional! The space flows through every part of the house, adding particular complexities in each room, and creating the sense of place.
Architects: Aarcano Arquitectura
Location: Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Design Team: Esteban Castro, Carla Carranza
Project Year: 2012
Project Area: 350.0 sqm
Structural Engineer: Luis Fernando Quirós, Enrique Moreno
Photographs: Andrés García
