Aguas Claras Restaurant and Yoga Pavilion, Puerto Viejo commercial project, Costa Rican architecture photos

Aguas Claras Restaurant and Yoga Pavilion in Puerto Viejo

6 September 2024

Architects: Studio Saxe

Location: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Photos by Selva Studio Photography

Aguas Claras Restaurant and Yoga Pavilion in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Aguas Claras: A Harmonious Fusion of Art, Architecture, and Nature on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast

Overview

Studio Saxe was commissioned to design a restaurant and yoga pavilion for Hotel Aguas Claras, an eclectic retreat nestled along the serene shores of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. The project enhances the hotel’s distinctive character, which embodies both artistic vision and architectural creativity. More than just a boutique hotel, Aguas Claras serves as a living gallery, showcasing the lifework of renowned Costa Rican artist Elizabeth Steinvorth. The result is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary design, creating a unique sanctuary where art, nature, and architecture come together.

Concept

The core concept of Aguas Claras is to create a living gallery that celebrates Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage. Studio Saxe’s design enhances this vision by crafting spaces that serve dual purposes: functional areas for guests and dynamic backdrops for artistic expression.

The project aims to complement Steinvorth’s diverse artistic creations while paying homage to the region’s architectural legacy. This is achieved through a thoughtful fusion of Victorian-inspired structures and traditional indigenous building techniques, reflecting the area’s complex historical narrative and creating a space that is both eclectic and deeply rooted in its surroundings.

Design

Studio Saxe’s design for the restaurant and yoga pavilion draws inspiration from traditional building techniques of the area, including those of the indigenous Bri Bri people, who reside in the nearby Talamanca region. These spaces feature local materials such as thatch and wood, creating a strong connection to the region’s architectural roots. This approach complements the existing Victorian-inspired structures on the property, which were separately restored to preserve their historical significance.

The design is characterized by an emphasis on natural light and the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas, allowing guests to feel fully immersed in the lush tropical landscape. Large openings and strategic placement of structures ensure that the boundaries between built environment and nature are blurred, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

The result is a unique architectural dialogue that reflects the diverse cultural influences of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Studio Saxe’s contributions harmonize with the property’s existing aesthetic, where Elizabeth Steinvorth’s artwork is omnipresent. From floral watercolors to mosaics, murals, and upcycled furniture pieces, each space throughout the hotel is carefully curated to highlight her diverse body of work.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of Studio Saxe’s contribution to the Aguas Claras project. The design prioritizes minimal ecological impact through several key strategies. The indigenous-inspired structures utilize locally sourced materials, reducing transportation costs and supporting local economies. By employing time-tested construction methods, the project minimizes the need for energy-intensive modern materials.

The design also maximizes natural ventilation, reducing the need for artificial cooling in the tropical climate. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems have been integrated into the design, ensuring that the hotel operates with minimal impact on local water resources.

These efforts align with the hotel’s overall commitment to sustainability as a member of The Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels, representing a new generation of eco-conscious hospitality in the region.

Construction

The construction of Studio Saxe’s additions to Aguas Claras presented unique opportunities to showcase traditional building techniques. The restaurant and yoga pavilion were designed to complement the existing structures seamlessly while standing out as contemporary interpretations of indigenous architecture.

The construction process required close collaboration with local craftsmen to ensure that traditional building techniques were honored and incorporated into the new structures. This approach not only preserves local building traditions but also supports the community by engaging local skills and knowledge.

Construction methods were chosen to minimize disruption to the surrounding ecosystem, preserving the lush jungle setting. The integration of these new structures with the existing Victorian-inspired buildings required careful planning and execution to maintain the cohesive aesthetic of the property.

Aguas Claras Restaurant and Yoga Pavilion in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica – Building Information

Architecture: Studio Saxe – https://studiosaxe.com/

Location: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Client: Hotel Aguas Claras
Area: 325 sqm

Project Team:

Partner: Benjamin G. Saxe
Architecture: Studio Saxe
Mechanical Engineer: Aplitec Ingenieria
Electromechanical Engineer: Electricidad en Concreto S.A.
Structural Engineer: Sotela Alfaro

Studio Saxe

Benjamin G. Saxe set up his own practice in San Jose, Costa Rica in 2004, with the aim of exploring our relationship with the natural environment through architecture. Since then, Studio Saxe has grown into an award-winning international practice made up of a multidisciplinary team, creating buildings and spaces by blending technological innovation with handcrafted techniques to form truly sustainable designs.

Founded on the belief that buildings must connect to their landscape – whether a tropical paradise or a concrete jungle – Studio Saxe brings a global attitude to solve local problems. Ideas and techniques from around the world can be harnessed to benefit communities, both at home and abroad.

Local traditions and identities are explored and developed, ensuring a process whereby we learn from the past and build for the future.

The dedicated architects and designers at Studio Saxe uncover new design solutions for every project, treating each building as an opportunity to improve methods and approaches, responding to specific places. Working alongside clients and collaborators, the studio continually seeks new forms and functions that blur the boundaries between natural habitats and inhabited space.

Photography: Selva Studio Photography

Aguas Claras Restaurant and Yoga Pavilion, Costa Rica images / information received 030924 from Studio Saxe Architects

Website: Saxe Architects

Location: Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Central America

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