Design studios Zürcher Arquitectos and Taller KEN took cues from the lush forests around San José while designing this courtyard house.
Casa Las Vistas is set into a hillside that overlooks the landscape surrounding Costa Rica's capital city.
Casa Las Vistas is set on a hill overlooking San José
The residence was designed by local firm Zürcher Arquitectos, while the interior design was overseen by Taller KEN, which has offices in San José, Guatemala City and New York.
It was created for a couple ? Hector Anchia and Indiana Trejos ? and their three young boys. Anchia is the owner of two companies: Kamalio, a retailer of furniture and finishes, and AIE Construction, which built the house.
The house is set over three levels
Encompassing 743 square metres, the rectilinear home rises three levels. Exterior walls are made of poured-in-place concrete, with steel framing incorporated into certain areas. Generous windows frame expansive views of the terrain, while deep overhangs provide shade. Warm-toned iroko wood wraps the underside of the roof eaves.
A green courtyard sits inside the house
Within the dwelling, interiors are arranged to keep the focus on exterior views. Earthy materials such as slate, wood and marble help tie the home to its site.
"The refined material palette and curated furnishings draw attention to the natural surroundings, bringing greenery into the interiors of the home," said Taller KEN.
The living area is open plan
The ground floor encompasse...