When SPG Architects took the job they set to work transforming an abandoned construction site into an elegant steel-framed concrete slab structure, which they used to create the masterpiece that is Casa Torcida. With 18,000 square feett of indoor and outdoor living space, this large home certainly couldn’t be considered to have a small footprint — but the size of the home is tempered by the project’s many green building strategies. Most notably, the home is totally net-zero and features a large pv system on the roof that supplies the majority of its year-round power needs. During the rainy season a micro-hydropower system in a nearby stream supplements the power.
The home is five stories tall and includes an infinity pool, views of the ocean and the Golfo Dulce starting on level two, and it has a yoga deck on the roof alongside the PV system. Located on a 100-acre piece of property on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, the home is surrounded with rain-forest that is teeming with wildlife.
A 75,000-gallonrainwater collection system provides for all of the home’s potable and non-potable water needs. Water is collected on the roof, which is coated in a non-toxic epoxy ceramic that helps keep the home cool under the hot tropical sun. All of the domestic hot water is provided from a solar hot water heating system located alongside the photovoltaics on the roof.
The home was built according to solar passive design principles, which minimize solar heat gain on the house and maximize natural ventilation. The efficient solar shading and ventilation systems have completely eliminated the need for air conditioning despite the tropical heat. The home’s materials consist of concrete, steel, man-made quarts and local wood found on the property. Appliances were selected based on their energy efficiency, which further minimizes the home’s energy demand.
+ SPG Architects
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Within the wilds of the Costa Rican rain forest on the Osa Peninsula sits Casa Torcida, a beautiful modern home designed by SPG Architects. Although its footprint is large in terms of square footage, it is surprisingly light on the environment and is to
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The residence is set on a 100-acre property on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica and features views of the ocean below.
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When SPG Architects took the job they set to work transforming an abandoned construction site into an elegant steel-framed concrete slab structure, which they used to create the masterpiece that is Casa Torcida.
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The five-story, 18,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor residence includes an infinity pool as well as a rooftop yoga deck.
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The owners insisted that the home be environmentally sensitive, technologically advanced, and modernist by design.
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The home’s materials include steel, stainless steel, concrete and wood found locally on the site and hand crafted into beautiful accents.
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The library showcases clean and simple lines accented with warm tropical colors.
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Energy-efficient appliances were chosen for the whole house to further reduce energy consumption.
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Solar passive design features strongly in the layout to minimize solar heat gain. Large overhangs protect the interior from direct sunlight.
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Meanwhile, natural ventilation provided by operable windows, doors and louvers helps eliminate the need for air conditioning.
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Taking inspiration from the home’s surroundings, SPG juxtaposed bright, tropical colors against the neutral palette of the building materials. These colors reflect the abundant brightly-colored flora and fauna native to the property.
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Starting on the second floor, viewers can glimpse the ocean and the Golfo Dulce below.
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Rainwater is channeled from the roof into a 75,000 gallon tank, providing for all of the home’s water needs.
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A solar system on the roof provides enough power for the entire house for most of the year, while a solar hot water system creates all of the domestic hot water.
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Here is the battery bank, which stories energy from the home’s massive photovoltaic array.
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During the rainy season when the sun shines less, a backup micro hydro system in a nearby stream generates additional power for the house.
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Here the infinity pool looks out over the jungle at dusk.
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