Completed in 2019 by Formafatal Architects, Atelier Villba is a minimalistic tropical house in Costa Rica. The project is part of the Art Villas Resort, which includes villas done in collaboration with Refuel Works and Archwerk Studio.
Atelier Villa Technical Information
- Architects: Formafatal
- Location: Bahia Ballena, Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
- Area: 326 m2
- Site size: 25,000 m2
- Project Year: 2017 – 2019
- Photographs: © BoysPlayNice
The first and foremost priority is not only the idea of “erasing boundaries between interior and exterior” but also highlighting constructional simplicity and pure lines. Pura Vida; Pura Arquitectura.
– Formafatal Architects
Atelier Villa in Costa Rica Photographs
Text by the Architects
Art Villas Costa Rica
Not far from the Costa Rican town of Uvita – there is a hidden small resort, Art Villas, on the jungle hill above the beach Playa Hermosa. Three unique villas and one multifunctional pavilion are scattered across a 2-hectare plot.
When the investor approached the architects, he wanted to create a space where visitors could merge with the surrounding nature, clearing their minds and experiencing luxury and adventure at the same time. He wanted to create a place that resonates deeply with everyone’s heart when they taste it. The architects from the Formafatal studio followed the client’s assignment and were also inspired by the atmosphere and colorfulness of Central and South America.
Atelier Villa
Atelier Villa was designed as a private residence for the investor and his family. Nestled against a steep slope, the 26-meter-long prismatic object partially levitates over lush tropical vegetation. Looking outside, there is only the distant ocean or green hills as far as the eye can see. The back wall, facing the driveway and neighboring villas, is intentionally windowless to maintain privacy.
The first and foremost priority is not only the idea of “erasing boundaries between interior and exterior” but also highlighting constructional simplicity and pure lines (Pura Vida >> Pura Arquitectura).
The constructional system consists of a steel frame with a span of 4 m x 4 m. Discreet wall colors, in combination with the green roof, allow the villa to blend in with its surroundings. The ocean and jungle-oriented façades are fitted with large-size aluminum perforated sections, which a) do not heat up in the sun, and b) are rust-resistant. If pulled up, they double as canopies.
The scale and pattern of the perforations are different in each of the sections, thus creating an exciting play of light and shadow inside. The panels’ special coating is in the color of COR-TEN. The full-back wall is in charred timber cladding treated with Shou Sugi Ban, an old Japanese technique of weather- and age-proofing the wood.
Disposition-wise, the villa possesses the same minimalistic spirit as its shape suggests. The utility and storage rooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen are placed along the back wall. The layout of the rest of the house is very open; the boundaries between the inside and the outside world are gone, and the whole space seems like a roofed terrace. Lightweight sliding partition walls can serve as a tool to create private zones and break up the space as needed. The patio features an infinity pool, partially roofed, which provides protection from the scorching sun.
The whole interior is in warm, earthy tones of natural materials. All of the furnishings, except for the lounge and dining chairs, are tailor-made for this villa. Commissioned in the area, the major part of the furniture was made with the help of local artisans. Some components were custom-made in the Czech Republic and transported to the site.
As for the Czech manufacturers, we decided to opt for the renowned Czech glass-making company Bomma and their Shibari lights, which complement the overall tropical feel of the interiors.
Atelier Villa in Costa Rica Plans
Atelier Villa in Costa Rica Image Gallery
About Formafatal
Formafatal is a team of architects, designers, and scenographers based in the Czech Republic and founded by architect Dagmar Stepanova.
Additional Credits and Notes
- Team: Dagmar Štěpánová, Martina Homolková
- Collaborators: Atelier Flera, Different Design, Můj Originál
