Location: El Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Year: 2019
Area: 12,285 m2
Artflower & Agave is a mixed use complex located in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica. “El Coco”, as it is known locally, is one of the oldest beach communities in the province and continues to be ranked as one of the fastest growing areas of tourism in the country.
The site has a sloped topography and a small creek runs through it. The only access point is on the northern side of the property, facing Route 151. The rest of the property is surrounded by semi-dense woodlands. Zoning for the project was based on setbacks determined by the creek.
The project holds a warehouse, offices, a floral arrangement workshop, an outdoor event hall and a bar. The design for the offices and the workshop is based on local vernacular architecture. Both are located facing the main access point and are separated by a small plaza that leads towards the event hall. The road, parking lot and warehouse are all located parallel to these buildings. The bar is situated on the highest point of the property so as to offer views of the surrounding landscape.
Materials include polished concrete, glass panels, wood, reed, steel and metal siding. These are used to varying degrees depending on the building program. However, all buildings share a material palette to give cohesion to the whole project.