Zürcher Arquitectos

29/07/2026

Four Seasons Residence at Prieta Bay, Peninsula Papagayo.
Inspired on the flora found on site, represented on the chorotega ceramics as the 'línea viva', which is symbolic of the movement and forces of nature. ~~~

Las residencias de Four Seasons en la bahía de Playa Prieta, inspiradas en hongos y líquenes encontrados en el sitio. Estos a su vez se encuentran repetidamente en la cerámica chorotega mediante líneas onduladas. La 'Línea Viva' en la cerámica chorotega de la Gran Nicoya no es un adorno, es una representación del movimiento y las fuerzas de la naturaleza. ~~~
Architecture: Zürcher Arquitectos
Interior Design: MODUS OPERANDI A+D Inc.

25/06/2026

BLVD Sabana

Yesterday we broke ground for this urban mixed-use project on one of the busiest and most iconic corners of our city, in front of Parque Metropolitano La Sabana. Total area 30,490 square mts. 197 residential units.

Architecture: Zürcher Arquitectos
Initial concept developed in collaboration with Arquitectonica.
Developer: Portafolio Inmobiliario.

18/06/2026

Sculpted bronze elements that evoke 'pochote' trees, cuatom ceramic lamps, stone gargoyls as well as every single hardware piece was designed and made specifically for this house, for practical and aesthetic purposes.
Every piece of furniture, built-ins, opening mechanisms for gates, carved doors and columns, art, and fixture was locally sourced or locally made. Some were manufactured on site. The house is as low-tech as can be, and perfect for gathering and connecting with family, with nature, and with all living things that surround it.
Every detail intentionally thought of, intentionally crafted. A true testament of soulful, 'slow' architecture.
Architecture: Zürcher Arquitectos
Landscape Design: Claudia Pacheco
Construction: AIE
Detail coordination: Arq. Irene Rodriguez

Photography: Roland Halbe

16/06/2026

This family home in Islita Bay has a layout composed of a series of structures/living spaces which are reinterpretations of the typical guanacaste rancho/palapa.

Louvered wooden doors and windows provide plenty cross ventilation to avoid ac use, and they also protect the house from the ocassional tropical storm.
Self-imposed chromatic restrictions result in the house having an earthy two-colored palette that respectfully blends with the natural surroundings mountain.
Architecture: Zürcher Arquitectos
Landscape Design: Claudia Pacheco
Construction: AIE

Photography: Roland Halbe

14/06/2026

This family home anchored on a cliff, at Islita Bay, Costa Rica, is an excercise in restraint. The house was built almost entirely using only two materials which endure with ease in the brutal tropical weather; local stone (for walls and floors) and local wood (for roofs, windows and doors).
The result is an earthbound house of rich textures, low maintenance and powerful materiality that provides solid shelter for this family of four.

The owner, an architect by training in his native Canada, was deeply involved in the design of the house and every aspect of its construction. He had a desire for geometrical purity combined with complex detailing that celebrate local craftmanship.
Architecture: Zürcher Arquitectos
Landscape Design: Claudia Pacheco
Construction: AIE
Architectural detail coordination: Arq. Irene Rodriguez

Photography: Roland Halbe

30/05/2026

The owners of Casa Guayacán made a concious effort to put together an interesting costarican art collection, which can be appreciated throughout the house. The collection includes contemporary works by Loida Pretiz, Alejandro Villalobos (Tarzan), Priscilla Monge, Jonathan Alfaro, Fabian Monge, and Paulina Ortiz among many others. It also includes more classic paintings by costarican masters like Fausto Pacheco, as well as various works by the Islita women's collective Papaturras.
Local antiques were carefully handpicked for the house, by the owners, throughout several years of gathering.
Other handmade details include the entrance door, which was carved with indigenous ancient motifs of precolumbian abstraction. These motifs were used in seals to paint ceramics, textiles, or to decorate/tatoo their skin during rituals.

Artisanal details made with beautiful local woods were favored over commercially-bought hardware and features.
Architecture:
Landscape Design:
Interior Design:
Construction:
Photography:

27/05/2026

Casa Guayacán

This residential project is located at Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica and is part of the new Nekajui Ritz Carlton Reserve .
Designed as the perfect spot to gather family and friends, with the most impressive ocean views that extend all the way to Nicaragua.
Architecture:
Landscape design:
Construction:
Interior Design:
Photography:

# costarica

09/02/2026