Waterfall of Light - Sunday

“A serene home suspended in sunlight, overlooking the vibrant surf town of Dominical and the expansive horizon beyond.”

OverView

Facing the town of Dominical , nestled into the lush mountainside, 'Cascada de Luz' looks out over the wave line to the distant horizon where whales annually raise their young. Rays of sunlight filter through the roof canopy, casting a soft, dappled light upon the spaces below. A refreshing breeze flows through the home, carrying the scent of native flowers. As day turns to night, the ocean reflects the stars in the sky and waves rolling on the sand offer a soothing rhythm to which to fall asleep.

Concept

The house is designed to progressively highlight the wonderful ecological and topographical surroundings. As visitors arrive and descend the driveway, they are treated to views of the ocean through the trees, over the top of the house. The roof deck is comprised of perforated panels, tinted blue to create a seamless visual transition with the ocean horizon. Dropping beneath a raised eave, visitors find themselves in a cool, sheltered arrival zone. Here, soft light filters through the perforated panels, translucent sheets and a series of teak slats, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a dense jungle.

Design

A wooden bridge suspended over a bamboo forest leads to the second level with a framed view of the sunset. Bedrooms on this level, including master suites in each wing, have separate balconies, bathrooms and outdoor showers. The two levels are connected by an open staircase in a central atrium, suspended over a shallow extension of the pool. The social lounge and terrace below are enveloped by jungle on three sides and open to a 24-meter infinity pool balanced on a steep slope on the other.

Landscaping

BIM’s landscape department, in collaboration with the architectural team, aimed to revive the original environment. The architectural design was developed in conjunction with the landscape so that both could influence each other. Greenery was integrated into all spaces, not just the periphery. Planters surrounding the second level host a cascade of vines down the sides of the house that converge in the central atrium, bringing greenery into the heart of the structure.

The surrounding gardens and terraces are filled with a variety of endemic plants that help regenerate the soil. The trees provide fruits for animals such as macaws and bats, which are a natural pest control, while the flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. This creates a lively and interactive environment that is in sync with the ecological surroundings. Paths and stone walkways around the property invite visitors to explore these wonders and interact with the splendid biodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer.

Construction

Building on a steep slope presented complications, but also offered the opportunity to create a more integrated experience. The long pool functions as a massive retaining element, anchoring the house against the mountainside. A major challenge was concealing the oversized water tanks needed to get through the dry season without disturbing the terrain. The solution was to lean them against the back of the building’s platform, using it as a base for the second-level carport.

The roof was the most structurally acrobatic aspect of the design. It needed to appear to float slightly above the mass of the house while withstanding hurricane-force winds and supporting the combined weight of the solar panels and water loads. This was achieved by creating a series of thin truss profiles that act together to distribute weight evenly along narrow columns. The space between the trusses provided a convenient cavity for the operation of the electrical and mechanical systems, ensuring permanent accessibility for maintenance.