Two wooden pavilions gently rise above the jungle canopy, framing panoramic views of the ocean and integrating with the lush topography that stretches out below them. At its heart, a central lobby anchors the residence, connecting the master suite and guest rooms to create a fluid spatial composition that is both serene and elemental. Every element, from the architectural composition to the interior details, was conceived in close continuity to ensure a unified and coherent spatial experience.
Concept - The concept is based on a dialogue between opposites: between what is anchored to the ground and what floats in the air, between the protected and the open. Two geometric forms, one anchored to the land and the other appearing to float, establish a design language that is both structural and symbolic. A carefully composed interstitial space unites these volumes, creating moments of transition, pause, and connection. Wood brise-soleil elements wrap the upper structure, controlling light and airflow while amplifying the sensation that the building hovers above the ground. The fragmented composition of the residence creates layered moments of arrival, framed views, and a fluid relationship between the built and the wild.
Design - Access to the residence is via a gentle stone path framed by dense native vegetation, gradually revealing itself through layers of greenery and carefully crafted surfaces. The residence unfolds between two expressive volumes, both box-shaped but distinct, one settled on the hillside and the other elevated and clad in a system of wooden slats. Meticulous details in the carpentry and transitions of surfaces are evident throughout the ensemble, and each junction of materials has been carefully resolved to reflect the purity of the overall concept.
Large glass panels with thin frames maintain thermal comfort while inviting constant interaction with the environment. The interstitial space between the volumes becomes a tranquil threshold, framing the jungle beyond and choreographing circulation with the surrounding trees. An open staircase floats within a vertical garden, while terraces cascade into an infinity pool that reflects the horizon. On certain days of the year, the moon can be seen setting over the ocean, a tranquil moment of natural theater framed by the house itself.
Interior Architecture - The interiors reflect a perfect integration with the architectural envelope. Studio Saxe directed the interior architecture, design, and decoration from the early conceptual stages, allowing for the development of a unified spatial narrative over six years of collaboration. Reforested local teak ceilings and natural stone walls bring texture and continuity, while a palette of soft, earthy colors evokes the dusty, coastal atmosphere of Santa Teresa.
A refined selection process balanced custom international elements with the work of local artists and craftsmen, including handmade tiles, sculptural lighting, and stone surfaces rich in fossils. Custom-designed furniture, such as the dining table, was created exclusively for this project by Studio Saxe, inspired by the structural language of the house. The result is an environment that is perceived as both raw and sophisticated, simple in essence yet rich in details. Built-in planters bring vegetation to the heart of the house, while intelligent systems for lighting, audio, and shading are discreetly integrated to enhance comfort without disrupting the spatial purity.
Sustainability - Given the remoteness of the site, the house was conceived as a self-sufficient system. Rainwater is collected and filtered on-site, and energy needs are met through solar integration and passive design strategies. The floating brise-soleil slats are made from responsibly harvested moso bamboo, a renewable and fast-growing material that provides structural strength and climate performance. These lightweight elements reduce solar gain, promote cross-ventilation, and contribute to the building's sensation of levitation. Reforested teak roofs and durable stone surfaces ensure longevity with minimal maintenance, while operable glass panels enhance passive cooling and reduce the need for artificial climate control.
Construction - A robust concrete foundation anchors the house to the terrain, protecting it against seismic activity and securing the structure to the ground. Above, a lightweight prefabricated steel structure supports the wood-clad pavilions, minimizing land disturbance and allowing for precise execution. The slats, suspended from this upper structure, required innovative structural coordination to achieve a weightless appearance. This hybrid approach allowed the construction process to unfold in stages, preserving the natural features of the site while achieving a refined architectural expression that appears to float effortlessly above the jungle floor.
