- Project: Loma Sagrada House
- Architect: Salagnac Arquitectos
- Location: Costa Rica, Nosara
- Year: 2023
- Area: 1200 m2
- Photography: Andres Garcia Lachner
Regenerative Architecture in Harmony with Nature
Perched on a lush hillside in Nosara, Costa Rica, Loma Sagrada House by Salagnac Arquitectos represents a paradigm shift in sustainable living. Built on previously degraded land, the project exemplifies regenerative design, where architecture not only minimizes environmental impact but actively contributes to the restoration of its surroundings.
Through minimal earth intervention, a timber-based structure, and an intricate integration with the natural landscape, Loma Sagrada House stands as a testament to how contemporary architecture can co-exist with and heal the land it occupies.
From Degradation to Regeneration
The site once served as livestock-grazed farmland, stripped of its natural ecosystem. Rather than imposing upon this fragile terrain, the architects sought to restore the land’s vitality through conscious design choices. Construction was limited to pile foundations and minimal excavation, preserving soil integrity and allowing vegetation to regenerate rapidly around the buildings.
The project is composed of several independent structures, all nestled within the existing topography. The main house sits on the southern slope, naturally shielded from strong summer winds. On the leeward side, lush vegetation thrives, creating a self-sustaining microclimate that passively regulates interior temperature throughout the year.
Architecture Shaped by the Land
The home’s triangular form responds to the site’s 35-degree gradient, optimizing stability and efficiency. Its fully wooden construction—composed of over 95% plantation-grown timber—reduces carbon emissions and supports Costa Rica’s ambitious environmental goals.
At the hill’s summit, the communal areas—including a pool, yoga studio, and open kitchenette—are strategically positioned to capture panoramic views while maintaining a lightweight environmental footprint. The modular timber design ensures adaptability, ease of maintenance, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Material Integrity and Environmental Innovation
Every design decision reinforces sustainability and well-being:
-
Locally sourced, plantation-grown wood forms the structural system, walls, and finishes.
-
Natural stone is selectively used in high-moisture areas for durability and thermal comfort.
-
Solar energy systems power lighting and water heating.
-
Water reuse systems collect and filter greywater for irrigation and landscape regeneration.
-
Electromagnetic shielding and flicker-free lighting ensure a healthier indoor environment.
-
The chemical-free pool utilizes natural filtration and purified water systems.
This combination of technological awareness and ecological sensitivity makes Loma Sagrada House both future-forward and deeply rooted in place.
Living Architecture: A Testament to Regeneration
More than a home, Loma Sagrada House is a living organism—a built environment that enhances biodiversity, restores soil health, and nurtures its inhabitants. By aligning architectural design with permaculture principles and bioclimatic strategies, Salagnac Arquitectos demonstrates that regenerative construction is not just sustainable—it’s restorative.
The result is an architectural sanctuary where nature and human life flourish together, setting a new benchmark for eco-conscious living in the tropics.
