cantilevered planes of QBO3 arquitectos’ casa yume frame tropical views in costa rica

casa yume perches above costa rica’s coastline

Casa Yume by QBO3 Arquitectos is a residential project located in the Papagayo Peninsula of Costa Rica, designed to harmonize modern architectural expression with the dramatic natural beauty of its site. As part of the broader context of high-end developments in this pristine coastal region, Casa Yume stands out for its bold geometries, refined spatial composition, and a deep sensitivity to its surroundings. The house embodies an architectural narrative that draws from the terrain and topography while embracing expansive views of the Pacific Ocean.

It is positioned on a sloped plot overlooking the horizon, and the design takes advantage of this topography by creating a seamless visual and spatial connection between indoor and outdoor areas. The project is anchored by a geometric structure whose spatial organization is informed by a single strong diagonal axis. This diagonal becomes the spine of the project — a conceptual and physical gesture that cuts through the plan and defines the composition of the main volumes. The diagonal is not merely a graphic or structural device; it organizes the project’s circulation and demarcates the separation and fluid transition between public and private zones. Most significantly, it opens the social areas — the living room, dining area, and kitchen — to a vast 12-meter span that creates a completely unobstructed view toward the ocean. This impressive cantilevered opening allows for panoramic visual access from nearly every part of the house’s social core, enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience and maximizing natural light and ventilation.

natural textures in harmony with the terrain | all images by Alvaro Fonseca unless stated otherwise

qbO3 arquitectos wraps the house in tactile, natural materials

The design strategy avoids structural elements that would interrupt this view. Instead of relying on conventional column-and-beam arrangements, the house uses a combination of cantilevered roof planes and concealed supports, which allow the entire facade facing the ocean to remain visually clean and open. The result is a sophisticated blend of architectural rigor and lightness — a space that feels simultaneously grounded in its site and lifted toward the horizon.

Materiality plays a key role in reinforcing the dialogue between architecture and nature. Locally sourced stone, natural wood, and exposed concrete surfaces give the home a tactile quality that echoes the textures of the surrounding environment. The transition from interior to exterior is softened through shaded terraces, floating platforms, and water features that reflect the sky and the greenery around the site. The team at QBO3 Arquitectos has also composed the house as a sequence of experiences. Upon arrival, one is led along a carefully choreographed path that gradually reveals the views and spatial qualities of the home. The entrance, modest and quiet, opens into a dramatic open space where the diagonal geometry and the expansive opening to the landscape become immediately evident. Private areas such as bedrooms and service spaces are arranged along the perimeter, maintaining privacy while still enjoying framed views and natural cross-ventilation.

the diagonal that opens space and sight

Casa Yume is ultimately a study in balance — between geometry and landscape, structure and openness, privacy and connection. It offers a refined living experience while remaining deeply rooted in the principles of place, identity, and architectural clarity. Its bold yet sensitive design elevates it as a landmark project in the Papagayo Peninsula and a testament to how thoughtful design can resonate with its environment without compromise.

modern design in the heart of nature | image by Tirso