In collaboration with QBO3 Architects
Year: 2021
Location: Pejije, Guanacaste
Design Team: Mario Vargas, Natalia Villalta, Roberto Vargas
Office Website: http://www.qbo3.com/
Los Hongos House is located in a humid tropical climate with low precipitation on the edge of the river Pijije, Guanacaste. Surrounded by dense vegetation, the original project is positioned based on energy points from which the mushroom-like concrete structures were built. Their distinct morphology enables protection against wind, rain, and intense solar radiation while concentrically organizing a series of intersected vertical planes. The subsequent spaces create unique architectural experiences containing vertical spiral circulation, double-height internal patios, and blurred boundaries with its context.
First floor Plan
South Facade / Model Perspective
Old Structure
Isometric view | Renovation results
Detailed view
Old Structure
Isometric view | Renovation results
Detailed View
A great variety of experiences needed to be implemented in the new program, all are interconnected by a hidden geometrical continuum from concentric operations overlayed with the circulations requirements. Vertical facade elements, finely adjusted by environmental analysis and ramps throughout the old and new structure, reinforce a visual flow deeply integrated with the active variety of its natural surroundings. The second level expands towards the entrance to provide adjacent gardens and direct communication with the renovated pools and spa while creating a garage and storage rooms on the ground floor.
Main entrance view
Inner courtyard
A sinuous path guides the user to the main central space through several skylights and translucent ceilings as you enter the house. Its interior flow lines naturally make use of its skin, rhythmic unity, connecting the original interior patio with the renovated pools located on the south and the rooftop's new areas by adding new vertical circulations to its interior program.
Main entrance view
Nature is integrated on every level of the design process by adding timber and vegetation as vertical elements on its new materiality composition. It uses nature as a geometrical element that complements how the building's shapes bend and turn along with its natural context. The internal gardens and green roofs provide a sense of calmness and accompany the user to the house's core.
Pool Area
Mushroom-like structures / New ramp addition
