ansui house nosara by modus operandi aligns with its curvilinear site in costa rica

Modus Operandi constructs Ansui House Nosara

Ansui House Nosara, designed by Modus Operandi, is nestled in the tropical dry forest on Costa Rica‘s north Pacific coast, integrating nature and architecture. The design embraces the unique climatic challenges of the region, balancing between the dry and dusty season and the humid and rainy season with a two-month transitional period.

The curvilinear site, facing the 180-degree ocean views, dictated a respectful approach to the structure’s placement, ensuring it blends into the landscape. Tropical design principles such as natural ventilation and illumination shaped Ansui House, particularly in its ground floor suites, which act as independent villas, each with green areas for privacy and natural cooling.

On the second level, light colors and textures create a sense of openness and connection to the vast sea and sky. The space encourages a focus on the surrounding environment, from monkeys in the trees to hawks in the sky. Angled wooden slats offer privacy while inviting wind flow, creating an interactive experience with the natural world.

all images by Sergio Pucci

the house directly connects to its natural surroundings

The project by Modus Operandi features harmonious proportions using the Golden Ratio, aiming to provide a sense of internal alignment and a seamless connection to the natural surroundings. A central tropical Zen garden, anchored by a Ylang Ylang tree, creates a calming pathway from public spaces to private quarters.

Materials such as handmade clay tiles, travertine walkways, and native bamboo overhead evoke a connection to the earth and beach. The double-height staircase promotes vertical and horizontal ventilation, uniting two mini forests and directing breezes through the property.

Ansui House Nosara is nestled in Costa Rica’s tropical dry forest, blending architecture with nature

the design addresses the region’s unique climate, balancing between dry and wet seasons with ease

tropical design principles such as natural ventilation and illumination shape Ansui House

the ground floor suites act as independent villas, surrounded by green areas for privacy and natural cooling

handmade clay tiles, travertine walkways, and native bamboo evoke a connection to the earth and beach

the double-height staircase promotes vertical and horizontal ventilation throughout the property

project info:

name: Ansui House Nosara
architect: Modus Operandi | @modusoperandicr

lead architects: M.Arch Fabian VillaMichel & M.Arch Federico Rodríguez

location: Nosara, Costa Rica

photography: Sergio Pucci – Photography in Costa Rica | @works_of_arch_costarica

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom