Ceiba House

Nestled in the coastal mountains of Costa Rica, Ceiba House blends seamlessly with its jungle surroundings through a carefully curated palette of wood and stone. The design explores wood in three forms—dense local hardwood, charred timber using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, and board-formed concrete slabs capturing wood’s natural texture. The home’s layout contrasts open and closed spaces, centering around an inner courtyard that allows light and air to flow freely. Bi-fold doors function as a brise-soleil, regulating the climate without mechanical systems, while glass panel doors on the upper level retract fully for an immersive indoor-outdoor living experience with sweeping views above the rainforest canopy and the distant ceiba tree that inspired the home’s name.

The residence is organized across multiple levels, each harmonizing with the natural terrain. The main floor features two volumes: a private family wing with three bedrooms connected by a library-like hallway, and a separate office and guest room. Below, an outdoor corridor bridges the descending landscape, leading to two guest suites with open-air bathrooms and a fitness area. Structural columns mimic the surrounding trees, and the suspended concrete slab mirrors the jungle canopy, creating a tranquil retreat immersed in nature.