History
The Costa Rica Treehouse was designed by Olson Kundig, with Tom Kundig as lead architect. Construction completed in 2017. It was conceived as an open-air surfer's hut for environmentalist clients. This three-story structure is carbon-positive.
Architecture
The structure is a three-story house. It uses locally harvested teak wood and cenizaro wood. Tree trunk columns support the frame. Slatted wooden walls and a wood and metal roof complete the enclosure. Welded steel is incorporated into the design.
Passive design features include double-layer movable screens and a large roof overhang. A 3.5-kilowatt photovoltaic array provides power. A subterranean rainwater collection system operates on site.
Setting
The house stands in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, near Playa Hermosa beach. It occupies a secluded peninsula amidst dense jungle. The structure engages the natural landscape across three distinct levels: jungle floor, dense foliage, and above the tree canopy. Light filters through the canopy, illuminating each level with a shifting, verdant glow.
Specifications
Total floor area measures 198.8 m². The built structure is three stories. A 3.5 kW photovoltaic array provides electricity. Rainwater is collected in a subterranean system.
In print
2023 AIA Small Project Awards. Featured: ArchDaily (2019, 2021), Dezeen (2019), Dwell (2019), Archilovers, Another Architecture Podcast (2023).
