Black Pearl House | Salagnac Architects | Puerto Carrillo, Costa Rica

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Modern black wooden cabin with contemporary design, sinking among green trees and surrounded by nature, with a wooden path leading to the entrance

A coastal treasure harmoniously blending with nature

Located between dense forests and the Pacific coast in Puerto Carrillo, the Black Pearl House by Salagnac Architects is a model of mimetic architecture, based on the philosophy of imitation and harmony with the environment. Designed as a seamless continuation of nature, the house disappears into the landscape thanks to its black facade surface, narrow structural rhythm, and elevated form reminiscent of tree crowns.

Black Pearl represents both an architectural statement and a reflection on collaboration, showing how intelligent design can glorify natural intelligence and cultural context while minimizing environmental impact.

Architecture inspired by the forest

The house is nestled among local yayo trees, which heavily influenced the concept and structure of the building. Designed on a 5-meter module grid, the house extends along the slope in an L-shaped form that promotes cross-ventilation and spatial clarity.

The layout separates public and private areas across two levels:

First floor includes living rooms, dining area and outdoor event spaces, all offering panoramic views of the garden.
Upper level is dedicated to bedrooms, positioned above the tree line for privacy, natural airflow and ocean views.

This spatial organization allows the house to function naturally and efficiently, minimizing mechanical cooling needs while maximizing comfort through passive design.

Structural lightness and terrain adaptation

In line with Salagnac Architects' ecological concept, the Black Pearl House minimizes its impact on the site using a piling foundation system that lifts the structure above ground, preserving existing vegetation and ensuring air circulation underneath.

Narrow glued timber columns, resistant to marine corrosion, mimic the vertical rhythm of tree trunks, grounding the architecture in its natural context. The elevated form gives the house lightness and a nearly floating appearance while maintaining respectful dialogue with its surroundings.

Mimetic materiality and camouflage

The house's unique black facade surface is both poetic and practical. The color blends with forest shadows and tree bark, providing visual camouflage that reduces the visual impact on the landscape. This dark tone also adds an airy elegance to the building—an elegant yet modest touch.

Additional mimetic elements:

Vertical railings and balustrades, echoing the natural geometry of trees.
Permeable surfaces and open ventilation paths, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior spaces.
Wood, glass and metal, chosen for durability and sensory perception of the natural palette of the place.

Sustainable habitat in dialogue with nature

Every element of the Black Pearl House reflects natural system efficiency. Cross-ventilation, shade and open public spaces reduce energy consumption. The elevated structure protects the ecosystem underneath while offering panoramic views of forest and ocean from above.

This house demonstrates the fusion of form, function and environment, showing that architecture can coexist with the land rather than consume it. Through modesty, rhythm and respect, Salagnac Architects achieve an architectural harmonic balance that feels both timeless and regenerative.

Photos © Salagnac Architects Black Pearl House | Salagnac Architects | Puerto Carrillo, Costa Rica

Photos © Salagnac Architects Modern black wooden cabin with contemporary design, sinking among green trees and surrounded by nature, with a wooden path leading to the entrance.

Photos © Salagnac Architects Black Pearl House | Salagnac Architects | Puerto Carrillo, Costa Rica