garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber

set on costa rica's pacific coast, garton group architecture designs casa black, a linear residence defined by stone-lined corridors, continuous timber ceilings, and a pedestrian bridge.

Tom Garton edited by christina vergopoulou November 12, 2026 4 min

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GARTON GROUP ARCHITECTURE builds CASA BLACK IN PLAYA GRANDE

Sited in Playa Grande along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Casa Black is a private residence designed by Garton Group Architecture. Organized along an extended linear axis, the home mediates between communal gathering areas and secluded retreats, establishing continuous thresholds that connect domestic routines with the surrounding tropical landscape.

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 1 — deep roof overhangs shelter the home within its tropical garden | all images ©Garton Group Architecture

STONE-LINED CORRIDOR LEADS TO TIMBER-CEILINGED COMMUNAL LIVING

The spatial sequence begins at a shaded entryway that transitions into an elongated, stone-lined circulation corridor. Punctured by fenestration framing courtyard gardens and adjoining thresholds, the textured masonry wall registers changing patterns of natural light and material transitions. At the core of the plan, Garton Group Architecture Studio brings the living room, dining area, and kitchen together under an expansive, continuous timber ceiling. Custom millwork and integrated casework echo the warm wood grain overhead, while full-height sliding glass doors open the living volume to exterior terraces, a swimming pool, and gardens shielded by deep cantilevered roof overhangs.

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 2 — a slatted canopy shades the planted approach to Casa Black’s arched entrance

Concrete, stone, and timber pair in Casa Black’s material palette

The material palette combines board-formed concrete, native stone masonry, and finished timber, establishing a neutral architectural base articulated by the owners’ curated art collection, textiles, and glazed green ceramic bathroom tiles. Private quarters occupy distinct wings of the site; the primary suite is accessed via an exterior pedestrian bridge spanning a natural ravine, isolating the volume within the tree canopy. In the bathrooms, full-height glazing, integrated planters, and ceiling-suspended mirrors draw perimeter vegetation directly into the interior envelope.

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 3 — an arched timber entrance frames a view of the stone wall and floating console within

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 4 — a stone-lined corridor connects the rooms, with garden-facing glazing bringing daylight into the home

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 5 — the stone-lined circulation corridor frames views toward the living area

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 6 — a continuous timber ceiling unites the living and dining spaces, furnished with the clients’ artwork and objects

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 7 — concealed lighting traces the timber cabinetry along the passage beside the living room

playa-grande-costa-rica-casa-black-garton-group-architecture-designboom-1800-13 — timber ceilings and cabinetry connect the kitchen and living spaces along the home’s central axis

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 8 — a circular mirror above a floating timber console reflects the textured stone corridor

playa-grande-costa-rica-casa-black-garton-group-architecture-designboom-1800-12 — high-level windows bring daylight beneath the bedroom’s timber ceiling

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 9 — an oval bathroom mirror reflects the adjoining bedroom against a backdrop of garden foliage

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 10 — suspended oval mirrors and twin basins frame views into the garden beside a glazed shower

garton group architecture lines tropical costa rican home casa black in stone and timber - 11 — glossy green tiles contrast with a pale countertop and timber vanity in the bathroom

project info:

name: Casa Black

architect: Garton Group Architecture | @gartongrouparchitecture
lead architects: Tom Garton, Dennis Cordero
location: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

area: 400 sqm

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