#ecofriendlyhomes #luxuryhomes #architecture
Eco-Luxury on a Jungle Hillside – Costa Rica’s Groundbreaking Rammed Earth Homes
Perched above Uvita, Costa Rica, these two minimalist villas—Jaspis Villa and Nefrit Villa—mark the country’s first ever use of rammed earth construction. Designed for short-term retreats on an 11,000 m² jungle hillside, the villas showcase how architecture can blend with nature while embracing innovative, sustainable building methods.
✨ Project Highlights:
- First in Costa Rica: All perimeter bearing walls constructed from clay soil excavated directly from the site.
- Minimalist Biophilic Design: Thin lines and frameless glass walls contrast with lush tropical vegetation while maintaining harmony with surroundings.
- Twin Villas, Two Energies: Jaspis Villa channels yin energy with sand-hued interiors; Nefrit Villa channels yang energy with terracotta and jungle tones.
- Immersive Views: Levitation above a steep slope opens up panoramic Pacific Ocean views from infinity plunge pools and generous terraces.
- Precision Detailing: Concrete, rammed earth, stainless steel and custom furniture create a refined yet raw aesthetic durable for Costa Rica’s high humidity.
- Sustainable Craftsmanship: Terra Compacta (Brazil) trained local artisans, creating Costa Rica’s first expertise in rammed earth construction.
From the frameless ocean-view facades to the custom concrete furniture and minimalist interiors, these villas embody eco-luxury and a new architectural language for Costa Rica.
Architects: Formafatal -
https://www.formafatal.cz/Photographers: BoysPlayNice -
https://www.boysplaynice.com/Realization of screed surfaces: Different Design
PR: Linka News
Location: Playa Hermosa, OSA Uvita – Bahia Ballena, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Project Year: 2022
Category: Private Houses
Stories By: Formafatal
Building Area: 11000 m2
Collaborator:
Rammed earth walls: Terra Compacta [Daniel Mantovani]
Statics: Ch. Vargas
Garden: Dagmar Štěpánová [part of the architectural project]
Realization: construction leader Willy Jeferson Céspedes Vargas + local workers
Realization of screed surfaces: Different Design [Pavel Trousil]
Graphic design [logo]: Zuzana Vemeová
#rammedearth #homedesign #costarica