![Caribbean Courtyard Villas by Studio Saxe](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/12/caribbean-courtyard-villas-studio-saxe-architecture-hero-852x479.jpg)
Studio Saxe weaves Caribbean Courtyard Villa into a Costa Rican jungle
Deep overhangs shade pavilions and walkways at a lush nature retreat in Costa Rica by architectural practice Studio Saxe.
The Caribbean Courtyard Villa is located in Puerto Viejo, a coastal town in southeastern Costa Rica. Tucked away in a jungle, the 495-square-metre rental home sits on a gently sloping site near Chiquita Beach.
![Caribbean Courtyard Villa](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/12/caribbean-courtyard-villas-studio-saxe-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x568.jpg)
Studio Saxe, which is based in San José, aimed to create a villa that embraced the tropical setting.
The architects conceived a series of pavilions organised around a central courtyard with a swimming pool. The pavilions are connected by pergolas.
![Holiday homes by Studio Saxe](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/12/caribbean-courtyard-villas-studio-saxe-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_15-852x568.jpg)
"We designed a strategy of aggregation by creating a network of triangular pergolas that can grow or contract, depending on the necessity of the client throughout the project," the firm said.
There are five pavilions. Four are identical, square-shaped modules that hold a bedroom and bathroom.
![Bedroom in pavilion](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/12/caribbean-courtyard-villas-studio-saxe-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x568.jpg)
The fifth pavilion is a large rectangle that encompasses an open-concept kitchen, dining area and living room. It also holds a master suite.
The pavilions are raised above the ground and are covered with hipped roofs. Each sleeping module has its own sheltered patio, which is accessed via a glazed, sliding door.
![Open-concept kitchen](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/12/caribbean-courtyard-villas-studio-saxe-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_23-852x568.jpg)
The interior rooms feature earthy materials and neutral colours, including ample use of woven decor.
In both the bedrooms and public area, ceilings are covered with honey-toned, wooden slats.
Occupants circulate between the different pavilions by walking under the pergolas, which are made of metal and wood.
"The project was conceived as a series of objects placed around the property and within existing trees," said the architects.
![Pergoals at Caribbean Courtyard Villa](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/12/caribbean-courtyard-villas-studio-saxe-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x568.jpg)
The villa also steps down the hillside, further helping the architecture blend with the terrain.
The project has a number of sustainable elements, including rooftop solar panels and water-efficient systems. The villa is intended to "set a new example" for designing in Costa Rica's tropical, coastal regions.
![Costa Rica holiday home](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/12/caribbean-courtyard-villas-studio-saxe-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_12-852x568.jpg)
Established by Benjamin Garcia Saxe in 2004, Studio Saxe has offices in San José, Los Angeles and London.
Other Costa Rican projects by the firm include a pair of beach houses that feature wooden screens and overhanging roofs, and a coastal dwelling that consists of pavilions wrapped in teak and glass.
The photography is by Andres Garcia Lachner.
Project credits:
Architect: Studio Saxe (design director, Benjamin G Saxe)
Builder: Cr-Eco
Client: The Stroh Family
Structural engineer: APÉSTEGUI+BLAIR
Electromechanical engineer: CIEM
Landscape: Saxe Landscape