Jaboncillos · Escazú · 2024
A 30% slope with a Central Valley view corridor that the setback rules very nearly took away. The retaining structure cost more than the first floor.
The constraint
The buildable envelope after setbacks and slope was roughly a third of the lot area, and the view corridor only opened from the highest twelve metres. Moving the house up meant engineering a retaining wall that carries both soil and seismic load.
What we did
We stepped the structure across three levels, using the retaining wall as the rear structural spine rather than as a separate element. That recovered floor area, shortened the spans, and let the main living level sit exactly where the view opens.
Outcome
Delivered on the original permit schedule. The retaining structure has been through two measurable tremors without a crack in the finish.
Next step
Send us the plano catastrado and a rough idea of what you want to build. We will come back with a feasibility read on what the site actually allows, what it is likely to cost, and how long permitting will take in your cantón.
Replies within one business day. Consultations in English or Spanish.