casa perla negra: salagnac arquitectos’ breezy home in costa rica’s coastal canopy

organic design inspired by nature

The recently completed Casa Perla Negra stands amongst the lush forests of Puerto Carrillo, Costa Rica with design by Salagnac Arquitectos. The project is envisioned to embody mimetic architecture, respecting its natural surroundings and taking shape with influence from its cultural context. As the architects note, key to the dwelling‘s mimetic approach is its modulation and grid pattern. The elongated L-shaped layout, with precise five-meter modules, optimizes cross ventilation throughout the interiors. Social areas sprawl across the ground floor, while bedrooms occupy the upper level amongst the canopies.

images © Andres Garcia Lachner

passive design by salagnac arquitectos

The design team at Salagnac Arquitectos elevates its Casa Perla Negra atop an array of stilts. This strategy allows the structure to navigate the sloping terrain while minimizing its impact on the landscape. Laminated wood, chosen for its resistance to the coastal environment, echoes the verticality and transparency of the surrounding tree trunks. Its dark color further enhances the camouflage effect, allowing the structure to naturally melt into the landscape. Meanwhile, expansive openings allow for breezy, ventilated interiors while blurring the threshold between indoors and the forest beyond. Bedrooms, while private and comfortable, are also cooled by cross-ventilation. The outdoor dining area exemplifies this seamless integration, existing as an open-air haven where guests can bask in the tropical breeze.

Casa Perla Negra in Costa Rica embodies mimetic architecture, blending with its environment

casa perla negra is a modern beach house in the forest

Salagnac Arquitectos’ mimetic philosophy extends beyond just the structure of Casa Perla Negra. Landscape integration plays a crucial role, with black hues mirroring the tree bark and the inherent darkness of shadows, further cloaking the house in its natural surroundings. Fusion and camouflage are evident in subtle design details, such as vertical railings and enclosures, which echo the forest’s verticality. Material and color choices reinforce the theme. The predominant use of black not only aids in blending with the environment but also imbues the building with an austere and elegant atmosphere.

laminated wood, resistant to marine corrosion, mimics the forest and minimizes environmental impact

dark colors are used for camouflage, allowing the structure to blend with the surroundings
vertical railings and enclosures echo the forest’s verticality

cross ventilation strategies passively cool the interiors throughout

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project info:

project title: Casa Perla Negra House

architecture: Salagnac Arquitectos | @salagnacarquitectos

location: Puerto Carrillo, Costa Rica

built area: 600 square meters

completion: 2023

photography: © Andres Garcia Lachner | @garcialachner