Perched on a hilltop in Santa Teresa, Casa Solai balances openness with refuge.

The home is composed of two wooden pavilions – one grounded, the other appearing to float above the jungle canopy – framing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

A central vestibule links the master suite and guest quarters, while fluid transitions between volumes create moments of pause and discovery.

Wrapped in timber louvers crafted from renewable bamboo, the elevated pavilion captures light and breezes, giving the structure its ethereal, weightless character.

Inside, locally sourced teak ceilings, stone walls, and custom furniture pieces echo the home’s architectural language.

Handmade tiles, sculptural lighting, and fossil-rich surfaces further ground the interiors in their coastal context, uniting raw textures with refined craftsmanship.

Sustainability was integral from the start: solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and passive design strategies reduce environmental impact, while prefabricated steel framing minimized site disturbance.

Casa Solai embodies the philosophy of blending architecture, landscape, and interior design -an elevated sanctuary that feels at once rooted and weightless.

Design Studio: Studio Saxe
Location: Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica