SCALAR ARCHITECTURE with Cinco Patas al Gato

Location Tupilapa, Nicaragua

Year of Completion 2016

Size 3,400 sq ft

Budget Withheld

On a slight verdant coastal bluff above the Pacific in Tupilapa, Nicaragua, the Coastal Homestead seamlessly reconciles a series of environmental and site conditions that far from solely prizing the ocean rely on a complex set surround relationships. These include changing wind patterns, solar orientation and the distant view of Nicaragua’s volcanos. The design takes clues from the vernacular environmentally responsive palapa building – an open-roof treviated construction originally from the Philippines. In so doing, an environmentally responsive and parametrically modelled ruled surface roof affords a larger setting and encampment. Mostly under this new open, a series of three discreet volumes hold more private or weather protected domestic functions and modulate the outdoor dwelling spaces and circulation. Lastly, dealing with a slope foundation and sandy soil, an occupied foundation and base further site the project and provide for service functions. (In collaboration with CPAG)