Nestled in the heart of the most bio-diverse part of the world is a new home that has re-imagined the goal of sustainable living. ISEAMI, situated in Peninsula de Osa, features spatial living and a wide range of amenities. The product of the Institute of Sustainability, Ecology, Art, Mind and Investigation, the home is merely at the first stage. As such, the design of the home will provide a multifunctional space in which a variety of activities can be hosted, including Yoga and meditation. Such activities will be hosted on the first level of the home, while the institute's director will inhabit the home's second level. This type of design makes it possible to maximize functions in the smallest possible area.
Situated 30 kilometers from the nearest town, Puerto Jimenez, the house does not have public services, such as water or electricity. As a result, the home had to be designed so that it could be completely self-sufficient. As part of the design process, a number of decisions were undertaken in order to deliver the necessary energy and water supplies. Thanks to the presence of a water concession located on the protected forest contained inside the property parameters, the project is able to take advantage of a natural potable water source. The roof of Casa Iseami has also been designed to provide the necessary orientation to maximize solar capability.
Materials for the home were carefully selected based on results of an investigation conducted near the site. The ultimate goal was to choose the best products that would allow for the creation of a project with as low maintenance as possible. Each prospective material was tested in order to evaluate its response on the environment, a process that was particularly important due to the high percentage of rain and humidity in the Osa peninsula.
Several passive design strategies were also incorporated into the home in order to ensure that Casa Iseami would be able to handle the area's relative humidity and sun exposure. Among the strategies used was elevating the home one meter above the ground and ensuring the ideal orientation to allow for cross ventilation. Two skylights were installed to allow for sunlight control and to prevent UV damage to furnishings inside the home. Through the implementation of recycled plastic louvers, a secondary protection is provided around the home to assist in maximizing temperature control. The design of the home's roof makes it possible for the occupants to enjoy an open sky concept with views and cross ventilation in all of the home's spaces.
A prefab method was chosen for the home's construction in order to ensure it was completed home time and provide the least amount of environmental impact to the site as possible. As a result of the design process used for this home, it is possible to integrate the exterior of the home with the interior, giving the occupants of the home with the potential to enjoy the surrounding nature in its original state.
