Paravant Architects

Areopagus Residence

Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos

AREOPAGUS RESIDENCE

Paravant Architects

PHOTOGRAPHS
Julian Trejos

AREA
750.0 m2

YEAR
2011

LOCATION
Costa Rica

CATEGORY
Houses

Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos
Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos

Text description provided by architect.

The Areopagus Residence, designed by Paravant Architects in Atenas, Costa Rica, is custom designed to be as intimately connected to the natural landscape around it as possible.

Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos
Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos

By exploiting passive heating and cooling strategies, the architects were able to design a home that does not require mechanical air conditioning systems. This also allows for uninterrupted south-facing views that open out into the landscape.

Villa Areopagus sits modestly on the site, shrouded in the surrounding vegetation. The street facing facade is largely opaque - a massive concrete wall with selective punctures that only provide a glimpse of the interior.

Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos
Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos

The openings are strategically placed to provide the house with cross ventilation and natural cooling. This is also supplemented by the backyard pool, which acts as a cooling pond, reducing the temperature of the air as it is pulled through the house.

The private facade faces south and features transparent glazing which allows for complete views of the valley towards San Jose. In order to protect the house from direct sunlight and heat gain the south facade also has a deep roof overhang which provides shade.

Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos
Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos

The exterior wall of the living room is a 16 meter retractable corner glass sliding wall. Connection to the landscape was very important to both the client and the architects.

The retractable wall creates a truly complete experience of the indoors and outdoors simultaneously. The living can function as both a den and a patio. It can be both inviting and private.

In addition to the passive methods implemented into the design of the house, the architects were also sensitive to using renewable sources of energy to provide for additional technical systems.

Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos
Areopagus Residence
© Julian Trejos

Solar and photovoltaic systems are installed on the roof to provide hot water and electricity. An onsite micro waste-water-treatment plant provides rain water collection for yard irrigation.


Areopagus Residence
Elevation
Areopagus Residence
Elevation

Paravant Architects
T +1 213 7876330
Paravant Architects
10866 Washington Blvd #110, Culver City, CA 90232, United States