- Project: Flotanta House
- Architect: Studio Saxe
- Location: Costa Rica, Puntarenas Canton
- Year: 2013
- Area: 300 m2
Flotanta House by Studio Saxe is a visionary tropical residence located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Designed for the Gooden-Nahome family, the home embraces the steep topography of its hillside site by floating above it, offering unobstructed views of the ocean while preserving the natural environment below. With its delicate structural approach and innovative use of piloti, the project exemplifies lightweight tropical architecture and ecological sensitivity.
Project Overview
The clients wanted a home that would capture sweeping ocean views without overwhelming the lush environment of Puntarenas. The steep site initially appeared to be a major obstacle, but Studio Saxe reframed it as an opportunity.
Instead of following the conventional method of cutting into the slope and building heavy retaining walls, the architects developed a solution that lifted the home on slender piloti. This elevated strategy created minimal impact on the landscape while maximizing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
The result is a home that seems to float above the jungle canopy, merging structural ingenuity with the beauty of its site.
Design Concept: Floating Above the Land
The architectural strategy emphasizes lightness, openness, and transparency:
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Elevated structure: Piloti support the home above the slope, minimizing earthwork and preserving natural drainage and vegetation.
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Glass-wrapped volumes: Open interiors dissolve the boundaries between house and landscape.
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Orientation: The plan is organized to frame the ocean horizon, turning views into living art.
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Minimal intervention: The slope, earth, and vegetation continue naturally beneath the structure.
This approach turns a difficult terrain into a defining feature, transforming constraint into inspiration.
Materiality & Structure
The house blends contemporary construction with warm natural finishes:
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Concrete piloti anchor the structure into the slope.
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Steel framing ensures durability while enabling lightweight construction.
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Timber finishes and details add warmth and a tropical identity.
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Glass expanses maximize light, openness, and connection to the views.
Together, these elements create a home that is robust yet delicate, modern yet integrated with nature.
Sustainability & Passive Design
Flotanta House reflects Studio Saxe’s philosophy of eco-sensitive architecture:
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Passive ventilation: Elevated positioning captures breezes, reducing cooling demands.
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Minimal site disruption: No retaining walls or heavy excavation.
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Material efficiency: Prefabricated steel reduced waste and costs.
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Biodiversity preservation: Flora and fauna continue to thrive under the elevated house.
This philosophy proves that sustainability is achieved not only through technology but also through design intelligence.
Atmosphere & Living Experience
Life in Flotanta House feels like living among the treetops. Elevated terraces and open-plan interiors provide sweeping views of the Pacific, while natural breezes and filtered light animate every space. The house feels both grounded and suspended, offering its residents a serene retreat immersed in nature.
Flotanta House by Studio Saxe is an architectural response that redefines how to build on steep, sensitive terrain. By lifting the home on piloti instead of reshaping the land, the architects created a structure that is environmentally responsible, visually striking, and deeply connected to its site.
More than just a residence, Flotanta House is a floating sanctuary on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast — a model for tropical modern architecture that values both human comfort and ecological preservation.
