Playa Hermosa, Osa, Costa Rica
In breathtaking Playa Hermosa, Czech firm Formafatal combined the age-old technique of rammed earth construction with modern lines to create Jaspis Villa and Nefrit Villa, homes that are both contemporary and able to withstand the tropical climate.
Drawing on ancient building techniques, Formafatel chose rammed earth and other local construction materials in order to withstand the area’s high heat and humidity.
Rammed earth construction has been used for centuries, but only occasionally sneaks into contemporary structures.
The two twin villas nestled into a lush Costa Rica hillside near the Pacific Ocean embody this old-meets-new ethos.
The designers worked with Terra Compacta, a rammed earth specialist from Brazil, to train local workers in the construction process.
Both villas are oriented toward the water and share similar materials and floorplans, yet their interiors are slightly different.
Jaspis Villa contains more sandy shades, while Nefrit Villa has terracotta-colored concrete floors that reference the color of the local soil.
The architects describe the homes as a reflection of yin and yang energy, both visually and energetically.
In line with this design principle focused on energy flow, neither of the homes has interior doors.
Only a sliding panel had to be realized between the toilet and shower.
In both structures, concrete is a dominant material, while built-ins have a cohesive material palette.
The interiors of the homes are rounded out with furniture, art, and objects collected from around the world.
Both structures float above and within the lush greenery, neither inside nor outside, blurring boundaries between domestic and nature.
Project: Jaspis Villa and Nefrit Villa
Architects: Formafatal
Lead Architect: Dagmar Štěpánová
Collaborators: Terra Compacta
Client: Private
Photographers: BoysPlayNice