Villa Areopagus: Costa Rica Residence

Costa Rican House, Villa Areopagus Atenas, Building, Architect, Property, Home, Info

Villa Areopagus : Costa Rican Residence

Residential Project in Central America design by PARAVANT ARCHITECTS

22 Mar 2014 + 20 Apr 2012

Villa Areopagus Costa Rica

Design: PARAVANT ARCHITECTS with SAAR Arquitectura

AREOPAGUS Residence, Costa Rica

House in Atenas

Costa Rican Residence

Villa Areopagus planned as a retirement residence for a client from Hollywood, California, the design focused on creating a home that is harmoniously integrated into the landscape of the surrounding Costa Rican mountains. This was largely done by allowing for a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor living to take full advantage of the moderate climate and spectacular views the site offers. This approach is well suited for the lifestyle of the client which was an important factor for them to having a custom designed and built home.

Costa Rica Villa Villa in Atenas House in Atenas Costa Rica Home
photos : Julian Trejos

The building has two very different façades. The street facing facade is a massive concrete wall providing privacy for the owners. Openings in the solid wall‐plane, frame controlled views of the surrounding mountains. These and other strategically placed openings provide for natural cooling and cross ventilation.

The private south facing elevation, with large transparent glazing and deep roof overhangs completely opens up this side of the house to stunning views across the valley towards San Jose. The living room has a 16m long fully retractable corner glass sliding wall allowing for true indoor‐outdoor living. The adjacent pool with its vanishing edge enhances the already dramatic experience of this space. Additionally, the pool acts as a cooling pond reducing air temperature in the house.

Villa Areopagus Costa Rica House in Atenas Residence in Atenas Home in Atenas
photos : Julian Trejos

Through thoughtful design, sensitive consideration of the orientation of walls and openings, an awareness of existing site conditions and the use of passive strategies the building does not require a mechanical air conditioning system, drastically reducing the energy needed to maintain a comfortable living environment compared to buildings of a similar size and setting.

In considering issues of sustainability it was important for the architects to exhaust all passive measures before implementing strategically technical active systems. The active elements used in this house were roof installed solar and photovoltaic systems providing hot water and electricity. Additionally, an onsite micro waste‐water‐treatment plant was provided, as well as rain water collection for yard irrigation.

Costa Rica Villa Costa Rica House Costa Rican House
photos : Julian Trejos

Villa Areopagus Costa Rica – Building Information

Project Name: Villa Areopagus
Location: Atenas, Costa Rica
Area: 750 sqm
Completion: 2011

Principal Architect: PARAVANT ARCHITECTS, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Executive Architect: SAAR Arquitectura, Costa Rica – Jose-Bernardo Garcia

Contractor: SAAR

Team:
Christian Kienapfel, AIA Architect, LEED AP (USA)
Dipl.-Ing.(FH) Architekt (Germany)

Halil Ramazan Dolan. LEED GA (USA)
Dipl.-Ing.(FH) Architekt (Germany)

Photographs: Julian Trejos

Villa Areopagus images/ information from PARAVANT ARCHITECTS

Location: Atenas, Costa Rica, Central America

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