A Home With A Curved Roof Inspired By The Land Around It

March 18, 2025
A modern house design with a curved roof.

Architecture and interiors firm Studio Saxe, has shared photos of a villa they completed in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, that has an umbrella-like roof that echoes the land’s undulations.

A modern house design with a curved roof.

The design process commenced with the creation of a robust curved silhouette, with pavilion-like spaces segregated by ventilating corridors, capable of being opened or closed dynamically, interacting with the outdoors to create fresh air inlays and unveil breathtaking vistas.

A modern house design with a curved roof.

An expansive roof shields the space from solar exposure and rainfall, fostering comfortable atmospheres with minimal reliance on technology.

A modern house design with a curved roof.

The remainder of the home was thoughtfully sunk into the ground, following the natural topography, to minimize the building’s mass and create a sense of emergence from the terrain.

A modern house with a swimming pool.

The strategic use of local laminated timber and stone not only contextualizes the architecture to its location but also imbues the structure with authenticity. An example of this can be seen at the entrance to the home.

A modern home has a staircase that leads from the entryway up to the open plan social areas, like the living room, dining area, and kitchen.
A modern home has a staircase that leads from the entryway up to the open plan social areas, like the living room, dining area, and kitchen.
A modern interior with an open plan living room, dining area, and kitchen.

The main social areas are located at the top of the stairs, with the living room, dining area, and kitchen sharing the open plan interior.

A modern interior with an open plan living room, dining area, and kitchen.

The interior is an intersection of art and beauty, integrating seamlessly with the natural surroundings and the architectural structure.

A modern interior with an open plan living room, dining area, and kitchen.

Most of the furniture in the home has been crafted using wood sourced from the client’s own land, salvaging Guanacaste and Guapinol trees. This bespoke furniture was locally produced through a meticulous two-and-a-half-year process, ensuring the highest quality and adaptability to both interior and exterior needs.

A modern white kitchen in an open plan interior.
A modern white kitchen in an open plan interior.

A games room with a lounge and bar, showcases a stone wall, more of which can be found throughout the home.

A games room with a lounge and bar, showcases a stone wall, more of which can be found throughout the home.

A spiral staircase leads from the games room down to a wine room, that has steps carved out of rock.

A spiral staircase leads from the games room down to a wine room, that has steps carved out of rock.
A spiral staircase leads down to a basement with steps carved out of stone.
A modern wine room.
A modern wine room.

The bedrooms throughout the home open to private patios with water views.

A modern bedroom that opens to a private patio with views of the water.
A modern bedroom that opens to a private patio with views of the water.

In one of the bathrooms, a freestanding bathtub is positioned by a curved partition, making it feel like your bathing outdoors.

A modern bathroom with a freestanding bathtub positioned by a curved partition, making it feel like your bathing outdoors.

You can watch a video about the home below.

Video: Production Depth Lens | Film/Edit Hansel Alfaro, HANZFARO | Music by Andres Soto Marin

Here’s a look at the architectural drawings for the home.

The architectural section drawing for a modern home.
The floor plan of a modern home.
Photography by Depth Lens, Alvaro Fonse | Architecture: Studio Saxe | Partner: Benjamin G Saxe | Interior Design: Saxe Interiors | Builder: AA Building Co, Adrián Alvarado | Electromechanical Engineer: CIEM | Structural Engineer: Sotela Alfaro Ltda