Casa Kike

Project: Casa Kike
Architect: Gianni Botsford Architect
Location: Cahuita, Costa Rica

This is a house in the Caribbean coast for a writer. Raised 1.2m above ground level on round wooden posts that rest on small concrete pad foundations, the house is sensitively designed to respond to the culture by using local construction techniques and materials; local timber is used for beams and columns as well as the cladding and decking.

The shape of the roof was the main design element in the environmental strategy. In response to the high levels of sunlight and rain, the parallelogram shape was developed in relation to the sun's path which insures shading throughout the day. With the front and the rear sides open, it allows sea breezes to naturally cool the house.

Rather than taking the western-influenced style favoured by wealthy Costa Ricans, the house takes reference from native building styles which makes it sit perfectly amidst the trees without interfering with the surrounding greenery. I think its a very inspiring place that provokes creativity.