Reflecting the mindset and lifestyle of the owners, the concrete and Teak house was designed to appease the senses and calm the soul. The recently constructed abode is a product of the owners’ love of the local, natural materials, fused with the talent and vision of local architect Luis Diego Quirós, plus the careful planning and detailed construction by local builders, Juan Porras (past president on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity Costa Rica), Armando Orozco and owner Christopher.
Casa Amanecer was published in the March issue of leading Costa Rican architecture magazine Su Casa — the issue's focus being on sustainable architecture. Not only was the house featured for it's unique design which allows one to enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains from anywhere in the house, but also for various philosophies and practices involved. (Please click here to read the article, translated to English.)
Architect Luis Diego Quirós designed the house in a sort of rustic, contemporary style, considering not only the materials of the house, but also it's natural surroundings and the owners' sensibilities. The house blends into its setting of mountainous, treed coffee farms instead of attempting to stand out.
Only local labor and materials were used, such as Costa Rican cement, flagstones and gravel from the local quarries, and cultivated teak from nearby Nicaragua. Out of respect for the materials used, the natural colors shine through, with an occasional white wall to offset the grays and golden browns of the teak. This creates a backdrop to the richness of life that goes on in the house as well as to the colorful Latin American art that grace the concrete walls.
