Sinfonia Verde featuring sustainable architecture and immersive natural experiences
In the heart of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula lies a secluded residence designed to harmonize with its vibrant rainforest surroundings. Sinfonia Verde by Studio Saxe emerged from a natural clearing created when a massive tree fell, offering an opportunity for two researchers to construct an off-grid home deeply connected to the wild. This innovative structure embodies a symphony of nature’s rhythms, inspired by the intricate layers and towering heights of the rainforest.
The house, designed as a circular platform with a central oculus, bridges the boundary between human habitation and the untamed ecosystem. Its design facilitates a seamless interaction with the forest, offering a panoramic experience that highlights the natural environment’s depth and diversity. From its elevated vantage point, residents can observe scarlet macaws in the treetops or glimpse jaguars on the forest floor. The structure’s dual alignment with the descending terrain creates dynamic views, shifting perspectives as one walks along the perimeter.
Sinfonia Verde’s layout includes two bedrooms, a combined living room and kitchen, and a laboratory-library, interspersed with shaded outdoor terraces. A serene courtyard at its core provides a sanctuary, balancing the intense energy of the surrounding wilderness. The expansive hyperbolic roof not only shelters the home from heavy rainfall and intense sun but also channels water into nearby streams, integrating functionality with environmental sensitivity. Slatted screens enhance passive ventilation, allowing cool breezes and the symphony of forest sounds to permeate the interior.
Sustainability guided every aspect of the design and construction. Positioned near Corcovado National Park, an area rich in biodiversity, Sinfonia Verde was designed with a minimal footprint to preserve the ecosystem. Raised on stilts, it minimizes disruption to wildlife and water flow, while materials such as responsibly sourced teak and cork were chosen for their environmental benefits. The home operates entirely off-grid, using solar panels and a hydro turbine for energy and water needs, and features passive cooling systems to reduce energy consumption.
The construction process faced logistical challenges due to the site’s remote location, accessible only by narrow footpaths. Prefabricated steel components were transported during the dry season and assembled on-site. Native vegetation was replanted post-construction, ensuring the house would blend into its surroundings over time. This thoughtful integration underscores a commitment to preserving the delicate balance of the rainforest.
Sinfonia Verde reflects a profound respect for Costa Rica’s natural beauty and biodiversity. It immerses its inhabitants in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the rainforest, creating a living experience that is both serene and deeply connected to its environment.
Photography by Alvaro Fonseca, courtesy of Studio Saxe, shared with permission
