Set high above the town of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, this home by Studio Saxe takes full advantage of its steep site. The project, led by founder Benjamin G. Saxe, responds directly to the terrain, turning what could have been a limitation into the defining feature of the design.
From the street, the house appears modest, almost like a single-level structure. But that impression quickly shifts once inside, where the full scale of the home begins to unfold.
A Layout Shaped by the Slope
The steep lot led to a clear decision. The lower level is tucked into the ground, while the main social spaces sit at entry level. This move allows the upper areas to capture uninterrupted views, while the more private rooms remain sheltered below.
This approach also creates a subtle sense of surprise. What looks compact from the outside reveals multiple layers as you move through the home, guided by a sequence of spaces that gradually open up.
A Roof That Defines the Home
One of the most striking features is the sweeping angled roof. Lined with wood underneath, it stretches across the home, offering both protection and visual identity.
The extended form frames the entrance pool and helps manage airflow, allowing cross ventilation during humid and rainy seasons. It also casts shifting shade across the home throughout the day.
Open Living with a Floating Ceiling
Inside, the main living area is designed as a large open plan space. A broad wood ceiling appears to float above, adding warmth while keeping the room visually light.
Sliding glass walls dissolve the boundary between inside and outside, connecting the living area directly to the balcony. The overhanging roof continues to play a role here, filtering light and creating comfortable zones throughout the day.
A Pool That Reaches Into the Jungle
The swimming pool sits right on the main level, extending outward toward the jungle below. Positioned at the edge, it becomes both a visual anchor and a central gathering point.
Its placement near the entrance makes it one of the first elements revealed, reinforcing the idea of arrival and drawing attention straight toward the view.
A Private Corner Beside the View
On the opposite side of the pool, the primary bedroom enjoys its own sense of separation. A sliding glass door opens directly to a private outdoor space, allowing the room to share in the same open atmosphere as the main living areas. The positioning keeps it close to the social spaces while still offering a degree of privacy.
Bathrooms with Texture and Light
The bathrooms introduce more intimate design details. In one, a floating wood vanity sits beneath a horizontal mirror, softly illuminated by hidden lighting that creates a warm glow.
Another bathroom takes a different approach, placing the shower in a semi-outdoor space. Surrounded by plants and screened with wood slats, it brings in fresh air while maintaining privacy.
Concrete Below, Openness Above
The lower level houses the additional bedrooms and bathrooms. These spaces are more enclosed, reflecting their position within the ground.
A concrete staircase connects the levels, complete with matching handrails and integrated lighting. The material palette remains consistent, reinforcing the structure while guiding movement through the home.
Built for Climate and Longevity
Concrete plays a major role throughout the home, chosen for durability, low maintenance, and its ability to regulate temperature during hot months.
At the same time, the design keeps key tropical strategies in place. Cross ventilation, extended rooflines, and water management all work together to handle the climate without sacrificing comfort.
This Santa Teresa home shows how strong design decisions can turn a challenging site into an opportunity. By working with the slope, using durable materials, and opening up key spaces to the view, Studio Saxe has created a house that feels both sheltered and expansive, all at once.