A place to be reborn in the jungle. COCO by ARCHWERK + Formafatal
06/01/2021.
[Bahia Ballena - Playa Hermosa] Costa Rica
metalocus, JUAN DE LUCAS
metalocus, JUAN DE LUCAS
Coco is the latest addition to the set of homes that make up the Art Villas resort designed by ARCHWERK and whose interiors have been designed by Formafatal. The complex is located on an incredible beach, near Uvita city, in Costa Rica.
Coco is a set of livable cabins that are the continuation of this resort almost hidden on a steep hillside overlooking the ocean in the middle of the tropical forest.
Coco is a set of livable cabins that are the continuation of this resort almost hidden on a steep hillside overlooking the ocean in the middle of the tropical forest.
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
3D site rendering. COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal.
3D site rendering. COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal.
3D site rendering. COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal.
Floor plan kitchen and living room. COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal.
Section kitchen and living room. COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal.
Side Section kitchen and living room. COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal.
Side Section bedroom. COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal.
Section bedroom. COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal.
Mosquito net front. COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal.
Mosquito net front. COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal.
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
COCO - Art Villas Costa Rica by ARCHWERK + Formafatal. Photograph by BoysPlayNice
ARCHWERK and Formafatal designed and finished this unique ensemble in the tropical forest shortly after the summer. When the client commisioned the project to the architects team, they sought to create a place where visitors can blend in with their natural surroundings, clear their minds, and experience luxury and adventure at the same time.
"Coco" joins two previous projects, "Villa Atelier" and "Villa de Arte" projected by Formafatal.
"Coco" joins two previous projects, "Villa Atelier" and "Villa de Arte" projected by Formafatal.
Project description
Above Hermosa Beach, near the Costa Rican town Uvita, on a steep 2.5-hectare tropical jungle slope – there is a hidden Art Villas resort. COCO forms a part of the complex and represents a unique example of playful, glamping, sustainable, and modern tropical architecture. When the investor approached the architects, he desired to create a place where the visitors merge with the surrounding nature, clear their minds, and experience luxury and adventure at the same time. He wanted to create a place that digs deep into everyone´s heart.
Description by ARCHWERK
Filip turned to us with an amazing challenge: to build with simple solutions and local materials a luxurious, but at the same time adventurous living, bringing the experience of an immediate stay in the Costa Rican jungle. According to his words, they should be "tree houses" placed on the hillside of the Art Villas resort, but in the freshly established garden without fully grown trees. And he asked for a design that no one had seen before. We designed a nest of several shelters located on a fall overlooking the valley and named them Coco.
In our design, we used our previous experience from the completion of our experimental design and build projects on the border of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design.
The main construction material is local tropical wood, complemented by a tent canvas and metal elements. Rational construction is the basis of the design. It creates the form and atmosphere by itself, without needing any added decoration. The construction principle allows flexibility in the size, shape, and composition of several similar objects in complicated terrain.
“The same creative principle is used by Nature for millions of years. Nature inspires us to create an environment that we love and feel safe in. We follow on from to the principles of Natural Architecture, as formulated by our friend and teacher, architect Martin Rajniš”.
Martin Kloda.
Description by Formafatal
Studio Formafatal followed up on the work of architects from Archwerk and, together with client Filip Žák, finished the layout of individual Coco buildings on the plot. A set of five small buildings levitates a few meters above the sloping terrain and is absorbed by lush tropical vegetation.
Studio Formafatal has sensitively connected the individual buildings by footbridges and stairs made of wood and expanded metal, which is mounted on steel columns. The platforms serve as stopping points for views of the countryside, or you can even jump on a trampoline on one of the landings.
The footbridges and landings have minimalist shape and we intentionally designed them in clean lines, which are typical for other buildings in the resort. Only the main terraces in the two height levels are based on the form of the Coco houses themselves, the shapes are soft and organic. These terraces are set very close to the jungle and also offer views of the Pacific Ocean.
The interiors are minimalist and playful. You will not find anything unnecessary there, but at the same time, nothing is missing. The focal point of each Coco bedroom is a bed that sits on a raised part of the floor.
The layout in each cabin is designed to take advantage of the most breathtaking views, where monkeys and toucans can be seen directly from the bed. The mosquito net is a kind of object respecting the shape of the building and is the dominant element of every bedroom. The back of the beds is designed from the welded wire mesh. In each bedroom, a different color is chosen, which is further reflected in the color scheme of the dressing rooms. The artistic design for the woven headboards is not accidental.
"When I thought about a motif that would fit into Coco, it evoked in me the canopy tours, which are very popular in Costa Rica.
These are trails and zip lines high above the ground in the treetops and Coco are also scattered a few meters above the ground. That's why I used the motif of a climbing rope in the form of straps and colored cords, which also brings a color accent to Coco interiors”
Dagmar Štěpánová.
In the largest Coco there is a shared kitchen with a dining area. The red cabinet wall in the color of “mamón chinos (tropical fruit)” contains 2 refrigerators, 2 freezers, and food cabinets. The kitchen island serves for meal preparation and offers plenty of storage space for all dishes. The dining table is a visual continuation of the island as if it just tore off. This longitudinal axis is the intention and aims at a view of the Pacific Ocean. The rest of the interior of the Coco kitchen is equipped with wicker furniture and lighting of local production.
Welcome To An Exquisite Jungle Experience
CoCo Villas boasts a unique shape borne from an original design. Its construction was an incredible experiment with wood, metal, and a special seven-layer sail that we welded on the spot. Each pod is deeply entrenched in the jungle and offers an experience reserved for the brave.
The pods are exposed to nature and the elements. Rain only falls six months of the year in late afternoon cascades, and when a storm hits, it’s a dramatic and unforgettable experience.
Transparent and white shutters protect the interior from rain and wind while allowing daylight to penetrate. Wedges of light and shadow filter through the big mosquito net that offers protection from wild jungle critters.
When we first came to Costa Rica, we thought it was for the ocean and wild beaches. Now we realize that our symbiotic relationship is with the dense, green tropical forest. The jungle is our home, but it's not ours to own. It presents conditions that challenge us to stay present and respectfully aware of the laws of nature.
But not in spite of luxurious comfort...
Comfort and self-enhancing activities abound, from expert cuisine, massage, sauna, and yoga, as well as access to the spa pavilion and professional fitness room. A large trampoline and playroom keep children active, engaged, and social. Art workshops, as well as body, mind, and soul retreats, connect you to like-minded people. Here you can indulge in life’s pleasures with playfulness and curiosity, in solidarity with nature.
More information
Architects
ARCHWERK [concept and architectural design], Formafatal [interior design, exterior finishing]. Lead Architects.- Martin Kloda [ARCHWERK], Hana Procházková [ARCHWERK], Dagmar Štěpánová [Formafatal].
Collaborators
Landscape architect - greenery and garden elements.- atelier Flera.
Client
Area
Usable Floor Area.- interiors area: 140 m².
terraces area: 204 m².
Plot size.- 25000 m².
terraces area: 204 m².
Plot size.- 25000 m².
Dates
Project year.- 2018-2019.
Completion year.- June 2020.
Completion year.- June 2020.
Materials
Teak / construction - wooden trusses, terraces, footbridges and staircases, furniture according to the author's design (beds).
Steel / construction – columns, footbridges, stairs, furniture according to the author's design.
Expanded metal / platforms, parts of floors.
PTFE canvas / facades - building cladding (long-lasting material, UV resistance)
cement screed / partition surfaces, furniture according to the author's design (kitchen cabinet, kitchen island, dining table).
Cement paving Granada Tiles Nicaragua / floors in bathrooms.
MDF boards / furniture according to the author's design.
Linen / mosquito net.
Steel / construction – columns, footbridges, stairs, furniture according to the author's design.
Expanded metal / platforms, parts of floors.
PTFE canvas / facades - building cladding (long-lasting material, UV resistance)
cement screed / partition surfaces, furniture according to the author's design (kitchen cabinet, kitchen island, dining table).
Cement paving Granada Tiles Nicaragua / floors in bathrooms.
MDF boards / furniture according to the author's design.
Linen / mosquito net.
Suppliers
FURNITURE
Silla de Playa armchair.- Sondaleza.
Tumbona chaise lounge.- Sondaleza.
Hammock Belo Horizonte - hanging chair.- Marilou.
Tenerife Stool.- Marilou.
terrazzo bathtub.- Naluri Collection.
stone washbasins.- Naluri Collection.
Aubrey Cylinder Side Table Black Nickel.- Interlude Home.
Nesting coffee table set, Round tray coffee table set.- Notre Monde.
LIGHTING
Gigante lamp.- Marilou.
Palu lamp.- Marilou.
Monopoint LED spot.- Wac Lighting.
Silla de Playa armchair.- Sondaleza.
Tumbona chaise lounge.- Sondaleza.
Hammock Belo Horizonte - hanging chair.- Marilou.
Tenerife Stool.- Marilou.
terrazzo bathtub.- Naluri Collection.
stone washbasins.- Naluri Collection.
Aubrey Cylinder Side Table Black Nickel.- Interlude Home.
Nesting coffee table set, Round tray coffee table set.- Notre Monde.
LIGHTING
Gigante lamp.- Marilou.
Palu lamp.- Marilou.
Monopoint LED spot.- Wac Lighting.
Photography
Dagmar Stepanova Studio Formafatal
Studio Formafatal was founded by architect Dagmar Štěpánová, and the team is now integrated by Dagmar, Jan, Martina, Katarina, Iveta, Dana, Anna, and Debora. The team of friends - architects, designers, and scenographers- focused on architecture, interior design, exhibition installation, and product design.
Dagmar Štěpánová graduated from the Faculty of Architecture - Czech Technical University in Prague. After twelve years of architecture practice, she founded her own studio Formafatal, which has existed for the fifth year. The architect carefully selected each member for her studio and claims that together they form amazing team. Formafatal is like a family to her.
8-member team of architects, scenographers and designers is currently working on several commercial and residential projects not only in Czech Republic, but across the world. Formafatal studio has already won several domestic and international awards for their projects.
Already during her studies, she loved the culture and architecture of South and Central America. The Art Villas project has made her dream come true and Dagmar is currently building a branch for her Formafatal studio in Costa Rica. “You need to have dreams and follow your goal. For me it means to do everything I can to deepen my experience, to work on myself and what fills me most”.
The individual approach for each project is based on mutual understanding with the client, enthusiasm, natural collaboration, and unified conceptual solutions. They solve projects complexly from creative concept to realization, with attention to detail.
Dagmar Štěpánová graduated from the Faculty of Architecture - Czech Technical University in Prague. After twelve years of architecture practice, she founded her own studio Formafatal, which has existed for the fifth year. The architect carefully selected each member for her studio and claims that together they form amazing team. Formafatal is like a family to her.
8-member team of architects, scenographers and designers is currently working on several commercial and residential projects not only in Czech Republic, but across the world. Formafatal studio has already won several domestic and international awards for their projects.
Already during her studies, she loved the culture and architecture of South and Central America. The Art Villas project has made her dream come true and Dagmar is currently building a branch for her Formafatal studio in Costa Rica. “You need to have dreams and follow your goal. For me it means to do everything I can to deepen my experience, to work on myself and what fills me most”.
The individual approach for each project is based on mutual understanding with the client, enthusiasm, natural collaboration, and unified conceptual solutions. They solve projects complexly from creative concept to realization, with attention to detail.
Martin Kloda, Hana Procházková. ARCHWERK
ARCHWERK. Architecture / Design Firm established by Martin Kloda and Hana Procházková, in Czech Republic, founded in 2012. ARCHWERK is an architectural workshop, focused mainly on design and build projects and experiments in between architecture, landscape architecture and urban design.
Martin Kloda. He studied architecture at the turn of the 80s and 90s at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, in the atelier of prof. Ing. arch. Zdenek Kuna, after velvet revolution prof. Ing. arch. Martin Rajnis. During his studies he completed internships at the Vienna Hochschule fur Angewandte Kunst Wien in the atelier of prof. Spalt and prof. Kurt Gebauer´s Atelier of All Sculpture in Prague. He get his practice in architectural offices D.A.Studio and e-MRAK. In 2012, he founded studio ARCHWERK.
Hana Procházková. She studied architecture at the Faculty of Art and Architecture, Technical University of Liberec. During her studies she completed internships at the Faculty of Architecture Prague and Facoltá di Architettura Universita degli studi di Ferrara, Italy. She get her practice in architectural offices OK PLAN ARCHITECTS and ATAK ARCHITEKTI. In 2012, she has become a partner in studio ARCHWERK.
Martin Kloda. He studied architecture at the turn of the 80s and 90s at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, in the atelier of prof. Ing. arch. Zdenek Kuna, after velvet revolution prof. Ing. arch. Martin Rajnis. During his studies he completed internships at the Vienna Hochschule fur Angewandte Kunst Wien in the atelier of prof. Spalt and prof. Kurt Gebauer´s Atelier of All Sculpture in Prague. He get his practice in architectural offices D.A.Studio and e-MRAK. In 2012, he founded studio ARCHWERK.
Hana Procházková. She studied architecture at the Faculty of Art and Architecture, Technical University of Liberec. During her studies she completed internships at the Faculty of Architecture Prague and Facoltá di Architettura Universita degli studi di Ferrara, Italy. She get her practice in architectural offices OK PLAN ARCHITECTS and ATAK ARCHITEKTI. In 2012, she has become a partner in studio ARCHWERK.
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