PaadArchitects – دفتر معماران پاد

Hyper-Transparent Resort (Costa Rica)

SHORTLIST OF THE MAGNUM OPUS RESORTS COMPETITION

Location

Costa Rica

Architect

Yaser Mousapour

Project Manager

Mohammad Mahdi Rahmati

Design team

Mohammad Mahdi Rahmati

Kimia Taghipour

Presentation team

Kimia Taghipour

Siavash Sajed

Date

2025

Status

Concept

area

2400 sqm

Program

Resort

How can Architecture create a machine for watching the site?

In this project, where non-stop magnificent views surround us, we chose hyper-transparency!

Hyper-transparency proposes an elevated artificial ground for placing residential units, while at eye level there remains no interruption for capturing the site’s beautiful views.

A Vierendeel truss structure—acting as a bridge—sits on the site and lets us walk beneath the residential units to experience the landscape in a suspended approach: as invisible guests in nature’s house!

Through this strategy, we saved the site’s floor for performing instead of building a tower for mere seeing.

An infinity pool covers the site’s ground, punctuated by islands for relaxation and refreshment.

The bridge creates a voided courtyard that captures nature toward the outside while gathering the group together toward its center—simultaneously playing the role of a horizontal entrance gate for the entire complex.

On the bridge deck, there are pathways for jogging and cycling alongside access routes to the cabins. For accessibility, transparent elevators can be provided for guests with limited mobility.

Residential units are made of super-light materials such as wood and tensile fabric. By their design, they open completely and act like tunnels for dual vistas while breathing naturally—preventing the side effects of humidity.

The intervals between cabins on the upper level can become open-air terraces attached to the units—spaces for evening gatherings, lounging, and sleeping under the stars without a roof overhead.

This is an architectural strategy for creating space where the structure itself and primary elements—free from any decoration—generate a memorable and unique form of living. A place where one can experience a delicate threshold: being together in community while simultaneously immersed in raw nature. A safe and serene experience of nature, yet at every moment ready for play, swimming, drinks, and nightly gatherings.

The restaurant access for resort residents is provided through a sunken garden courtyard, while maintaining an independent entrance for outside guests—ensuring no disruption to residents’ privacy.

We carefully studied the climate and existing resorts of Costa Rica to discover smart solutions for enjoying the views and achieving thermal comfort without heavy construction that blocks the site’s potential.

The hyper-transparent approach enables the developer to construct bridge components and units in qualified workshops, then transport and install them on site—alleviating the difficulties of turning this challenging terrain into a construction workshop.

Gallery | Hyper-Transparent Resort (Costa Rica)