Perla Negra House by Salagnac Arquitectos is mimetic architecture

Costa Rican studio Salagnac Arquitectos designed the Perla Negra House in Puerto Carrillo by the sea to blend into the landscape of surrounding trees, or yayos, with its L-shaped layout, laminated wood details and black colouring.

Casa Perla Negra was created in 2023 with a concept of mimetic architecture, which attempts to imitate the natural and cultural surroundings and integrate these elements into the house’s “harmonious” design.

“Key design elements” of the house include using piles or stilts in its structure and an L-shaped layout.

“Integration with the terrain is achieved through piles, minimising environmental impact,” the studio said.

Salagnac Arquitectos added that the laminated wood used in the structure is “resistant to marine corrosion” and “mimics the verticality and transparency” of the surrounding tree trunks.

“Dark colours are used for camouflage, blending the structure with its environment,” the studio said.

The 5-metre modulation of the structure’s L-shape is designed to provide cross-ventilation.

The natural ventilation system consists of a layout where the social areas, including the open dining area, occupy the first floor and bedrooms are on the second floor.

This L-shaped design allows the first floor to transition with the outdoors.

“The house leverages cross ventilation for creating comfortable social spaces that can open to the outdoors,” the studio said.

Salagnac Arquitectos added that the colour black is used not only for cosmetic reasons but also has ties to Perla Negra’s functionality.

“The use of black not only aids in blending with the surroundings but also adds a sober and elegant character to the building.”

“Design details, such as vertical railings and enclosures, aid in visual integration with the environment,” the studio added.

Salagnac Arquitectos used these mimetic elements to establish a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape, blending with the neighbouring forest of yayos by recreating the tree’s “bark” which helps provide the home and residents with privacy and protection.

“Social areas, like the outdoor dining space, are completely open, facilitating a smooth interior-exterior transition,” the studio said.

“Bedrooms offer comfort and privacy with cross-ventilation options.”

According to Salagnac Arquitectos, these features enable Perla Negra to have a design that ties the house’s environmental aesthetics and functional features together.

Casa Perla Negra “stands out not just for its environmentally integrated aesthetics but also for its functionality and efficiency, inspired by the inherent intelligence of natural systems, enhancing the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.”