Black House by A-01

Designed by A-01, the Black House is located along the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Built in 2022, the residence is part of the modular No Footprint House series and showcases a climate-responsive design. The house incorporates passive strategies such as cross ventilation, solar shading, and rainwater harvesting to create an efficient living space.

Modern tropical home with wood and steel construction, large windows, and raised decks.

Climate Responsive Design

Casa Negra is located along the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It serves as the prototype for the No Footprint House (NFH) modular home series, emphasizing climate-sensitive design based on passive strategies. These strategies include site-specific positioning, cross-ventilation, solar shading, energy production, rainwater collection, and biological water filtration. Industrial construction techniques and prefabricated components play a crucial role in achieving efficiency on any site.
A modern kitchen with a rustic wood and black accent wall, patterned tile backsplash, and sleek cabinets.
Since the creation of the first NFH prototype in 2018, the project has evolved to include several building typologies. New and alternative building materials have been integrated to improve performance and support local and circular economies.
A modern, minimalist bedroom with a wooden headboard, patterned accent wall, and tasseled bedding.

Microclimate Responsive

Costa Rica’s unique biodiversity derives from its microclimates. Casa Negra is adapted to the colder, mountainous climates of the region. The NFH project aims to provide model homes for all climates in Costa Rica, offering affordable and sustainable solutions for tropical living.
A modern, minimalist bedroom with large windows overlooking a lush, forested landscape.
These case study homes demonstrate the potential for decarbonized housing, aligning with Costa Rica’s broader roadmap to decarbonize the sector and the country.
Wooden deck overlooks lush green forest, with a modern architectural design.

Compact and adaptable unit

The Black House is built as a three-level steel frame with wood trim. It offers living and working spaces in a compact unit. All wooden components are sourced from local and certified suppliers.
Modern architectural design with sleek steel frame, wood steps, lush greenery.

Custom furniture and doors support the architectural layout, with furniture elements designed to be adaptable. The façade’s actionable elements open the interiors to the natural surroundings, creating a symbiotic relationship between nature and the built environment.
Modern wooden cabin nestled in lush tropical foliage, with large windows and deck.

By integrating these principles, materials, and design strategies, the Black House not only presents a decarbonized dwelling, but also serves as a model for living in harmony with Costa Rica’s diverse ecological landscape.

Photography courtesy of A-01
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- by Matt Watts

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