Otherreal estateSustainable Architecture
Cantilevered swimming pool extends from Villa Nuri in Costa Rica.
The architectural world has a new landmark that feels less like a building and more like a conversation with the jungle. Studio Saxe’s Villa Nuri, nestled in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, has made waves not just for its design but for its philosophical underpinnings.The project’s pièce de résistance is a breathtaking cantilevered swimming pool that extends from the main structure, a daring feat of engineering that seems to float above the terrain. But this isn't mere architectural bravado; it’s the physical manifestation of a client’s deep-seated desire to honor the local culture and coexist with the frequent wildlife visitors.This approach is part of a broader, fascinating trend in tropical modernism, where the rigid lines of International Style architecture are being softened and reinterpreted through a bioclimatic lens. The founder of Studio Saxe, Benjamin Garcia Saxe, has built a reputation on this very principle, often speaking about creating 'architectures of place' that respond to their environment rather than dominate it.At Villa Nuri, this meant considering the path of a monkey troop through the canopy or the flight pattern of tropical birds, integrating the building into the existing ecosystem. The cantilever itself, a structural maneuver that always carries a degree of risk and visual drama, is employed here not for shock value but to minimize the building's footprint on the forest floor.It’s a decision that echoes the work of other greats in responsive architecture, like Glenn Murcutt in Australia, whose buildings famously 'touch the earth lightly. ' The materials chosen—likely local hardwoods, raw concrete, and expansive glass—aren't just an aesthetic choice; they are a narrative device, telling a story of sustainability and context.One can imagine the play of light through the slatted wood screens, casting shadows that shift throughout the day, or the way the infinity edge of the pool visually merges with the horizon, blurring the boundary between human creation and natural wonder. This project raises compelling questions about the future of luxury design.Is the new luxury not opulence, but authenticity? Is it not square footage, but connection? Villa Nuri suggests yes. It stands as a case study in how modern technology and traditional sensibilities can merge, creating a space that is as intellectually stimulating as it is serene. It’s a reminder that the most profound architecture doesn't just house people; it respects its place, celebrates its context, and, in doing so, elevates the human experience within it.
#architecture
#sustainable design
#Costa Rica
#cantilevered pool
#studio saxe
#villa
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