Casa Agape

Agapē, in Ancient Greek, represents the highest form of love and this was the purpose and meaning behind the design of Casa Agapē. In permanent connection with nature, Casa Agape was designed with the intention of framing, enjoying, and enhancing Guanacaste’s lush dry forest landscape throughout its spaces.

With the goal of co-creating a regenerative project specifically designed to respond and adapt to the specific site’s conditions, Casa Agapē takes full advantage of the climate, topography, biodiversity, and views of this serene site in Las Ventanas de Playa Grande.

In a co-creation process with the Client, Casa Agapē’s design was developed into two independent main structures: the main house and a guest house. Achieving private spaces that permanently enjoy the landscape and a highly sustainable project, were two of the project’s key objectives.

By integrating bioclimatic and passive design strategies during the design, the project takes advantage of prevailing winds and the sun’s path, maximizing cross-ventilation and daylighting, while decreasing energy consumption and ensuring healthy and comfortable spaces.

The main house is developed on two levels, adapting to the site’s natural topography, while taking advantage of the views of the dry forest in the back. On the lower level, are located the utilitarian spaces of the house, while the main spaces are located on the upper level. With the intention of creating a welcoming space to enjoy with friends and family, the project’s main social area, deck, and infinity pool enjoy the site’s immersive views and lush landscape.

To develop a highly efficient project, whose carbon footprint is significantly lower, Casa Agapē was designed to take advantage of lightweight and modular construction, to minimize waste, while consuming less drinking water and energy from the grid. Adding photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, as well as rainwater and gray water collection and treatment system, allows the project to generate its own resources and become more self-sufficient. Three large catchment tanks will store the treated and filtered water, ensuring the project will enjoy safe and clean water for up to two weeks in times of drought.

To further minimize the consumption of drinking water, the house’s drought-tolerant landscape adapts to the site’s microclimates by integrating native trees and plants. Beyond their beauty, all species contribute to restoring and enhancing the site’s ecosystem, as they are intended to become food sources for local wildlife, birds, and insects, reinforcing the project’s goal of having a positive impact on both people and the planet’s wellbeing.