House By The Tree

In the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, an architect and a graphic designer created their family house by a tree.

Moved by the philosophy of a “slower life” and real human connection for their daughter, they aimed to create “healthy architecture” that would enhance their life goals.

They also envisioned a cost-effective project that could show how healthy and aesthetically pleasant spaces can be built to raise human quality of life.

Located one block from Tamarindo Beach, a prototype for high-density development in beach communities, the house was developed by architect Rodolfo Tinoco from LSD. The house proposes a standalone signature that sets back from neighbors to create a privacy “buffer” or green vegetation.

A central green yard is the core of life where nature is present. The tree organizes the green areas of the house, creating an entrance, a terrace, and a deck by the pool.

These aligned volumes create a sense of human scale and create cozy spaces for living and for shade.

Planter walls co-exist with the tree and the house to create privacy, lower temperature, and sustain human and/or animal life.

The entrance to the house is a tropical terrace roofed by one of the bedrooms on stilts, that connects to the living space. 

Open social areas create a Cousy family environment organized by a centered island /dining table / bar that connects the kitchen as focal point and most important space.

This kitchen opens to the pool areas for human immediate interaction and family connections.

Next to the stairs a greened light yard brings natural ventilation and illumination that regulates temperature to avoid use of AC and artificial illumination.

Bedrooms are located in a second floor for full privacy and enhancing space and air quality. 

The master bedroom opens to a roof terrace that enjoys the sunset views and its bathrooms shower opens to garden areas creating a sense of connection to nature.