Costa Rica’s vivid colours and culture provide ample inspiration for the design and architecture of La Reserva

Imagine a day in tropical paradise. Nature enthusiasts take long hikes through hilly, tropical forest terrain here in Quepos, a small town on Costa Rica’s west coast. Bird and animal lovers revel in the stunningly diverse ecosystem of nearby Manual Antonio National Park. Sun lovers absorb brilliant rays on the sandy Pacific Ocean beaches, while surfers ride some of the best waves on the planet.

The houses at La Reserva Resort Community sustain the love of nature that brings people to Costa Rica. Their contemporary, organic architectural style incorporates many vernacular characteristics indoors and out. No two homes are alike, because each design is unique to the topography of its lot. Trees and gardens have been incorporated into each home’s interior architecture. Generous outdoor living spaces and terraces allow homeowners to optimise their enjoyment of the tropical weather.

“The 18 lots are divided between ocean, mountain, and jungle views. Nine are located on the ridge-line of the property, which sits atop the mountain and has breathtaking ocean views. The other nine lots have partial ocean, mountain, and/or jungle views,” says Donielle Fish, general manager of the residential development.

These views and a natural, native feel were integral to the 11-acre development’s design. Developers from North America and Europe have all but turned Costa Rica into a neo-colony, and brought a range of architectural types that have threatened to eliminate the country’s character. That’s antithetical to American developer Mike Carter’s desires. 

“Carter has travelled around the world and he loves to be on the water. When he was originally designing this, he said he wanted a property that blended into the landscape when viewed from the ocean. He didn’t want things to stick out, but to be conducive to the natural terrain,” Fish said. 

  Read the full story in the February 2012 issue of Perspective magazine! 

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