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Costa Rica is a tropical land filled with rainforests, exotic beaches and volcanoes, as well as many sustainable examples of buildings. Its traditional architecture originates from the country’s pre-Colombian era and Spanish colonial influence. Today, Costa Rica’s capital city, San José, is characterized by its modern, high-rise architecture, paired with small, albeit luxurious traditional single-store houses preserved from the late 1800s. At that time, San José was the second most technologically advanced city in America, installing public city lights and electricity to its wider city fabric.

This vision for technological innovation has carried through to contemporary Costa Rican architecture. Minimizing building footprint, especially within the Costa Rican landscapes, is a wider philosophy shared by local architects as well as using locally sourced materials and pioneering sustainable technologies such as rainwater harvesting systems, solar power and natural ventilation techniques.

We are Instinto Estudio, a Costa Rican architecture studio focused on sustainable design.

At Instinto Studio, we believe design is more than aesthetics – it’s about improving lives. We create spaces that are not only beautiful but also make sense, seamlessly integrating with their surroundings. We approach each project holistically, blending exploration, technology, local materials, and a deep respect for social, economic, and environmental impact. We work closely with our clients to develop real solutions, balancing reason and emotion. Our tropical, sustainable architecture is all about creating unique experiences in connection with nature.

Some of Instinto Estudio’s most prominent projects include:

Villa Nalani y Villa Elu, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Casa Liza, Guanacaste, Costa Rica