House Esencia
Information
Location: Belén, Heredia
Architectural Design: Latitud 10 Architecture
Lighting Design: Latitud 10 Architecture
Structural Design: Ing. Jorge Villalobos
Electrical Design: Dompe Ingeniería Eléctrica
Renewable Energies: Water heat by solar panels and electricity production solar panels
Home automation: Intelligent illumination system
Area: 450m2 in a property of 692m2
Concept: Contemporary bioclimatic design
Year: 2014
Description
The concept of this residence is based on the fact of seeking and providing the project with a pure “essence” that is reflected in a clear and defined form of its volumetry, a functional fluidity of its spaces and the appropriate choice of materials; this with the intention that the project defined the essence of living: comfort, functionality and warmth.
One of the main features of the project was that the property is corner, so it should be attempted to have two main facades and highlight its main access through design elements. In this way, a vertical hierarchy was granted to the volume of the lobby so that from the outside it was the one that articulated the rest of the volumes.
Towards the interior, it was sought that the main social spaces revolve around a backyard with an internal garden character so that these social spaces benefit from the view and natural lighting.
Also thinking about natural lighting; the living and dining areas were designed in such a way that apart from the large windows, these spaces also have a zenithal illumination thus generating an excellent internal lighting condition without introducing solar radiation that could overheat the spaces.
The stairs occupy a very special position and condition within the design, since they are located between the kitchen and backyard a glass cube was designed, which allows the kitchen to be connected to the detached terrace and the garden; also achieving with this detail relieve the visual weight of the other volumes of the house.
On the second level, social spaces of a slightly more private character are located such as the office and the movie theater. In the case of the latter, the necessary conditions were contemplated so that it would effectively function as such: minimum of windows to avoid reflections, insulation for acoustic effects, internal climatic conditioning, projection screen and surround sound system.
In the backyard, a terrace with a fully equipped secondary kitchen for outdoor social activities was arranged.
The owners, considering their interest in environmental conservation, decided to adapt eco-sustainable technologies to the project. Due to this, the project has solar panels for water heating, photovoltaic panels for the production of electricity and an intelligent lighting system that seeks to save energy.