Casa Holmes: Award-Winning Glass House with Ocean Views

Where architecture meets the elements.

Perched above the popular beach of Playas del Coco, this award-winning residence, locally celebrated as “The Glass House”, is a one-of-a-kind fusion of natural beauty and contemporary design in Costa Rica. Set on a dramatic hillside, this unique home is anchored into a massive rock formation, a defining feature of its architecture. For those seeking exceptional real estate in Playas del Coco, this residence truly stands out.

Designed by a landscape architect, this luxury home embraces its natural surroundings. What could have been a design challenge, a towering rock face was transformed into a stunning focal point. The rock was not removed; instead, it was integrated. Today, it supports key structural elements and flows naturally into the living space, seamlessly blurring the lines between modern architecture and nature. This unique design makes it a standout for luxury real estate in the area.

Design Philosophy and Layout

From the beginning, the vision for this residence was clear: create a seamless dialogue between indoor living and the powerful natural elements outside. The result is a modernist masterpiece that feels at once open, light, and deeply rooted in its environment.

Glass walls and sliding panels open to panoramic views of the bay on one side and a lush protected forest on the other, creating a visual corridor between ocean and jungle.

Floating rooflines supported by exposed concrete columns give the structure an airy, almost weightless presence, while also reinforcing the home’s relationship with the site.

Organic integration: The home’s layout follows the natural contours of the land, with the monolithic rock formation visibly incorporated into multiple interior and exterior spaces.

Textural continuity: Indoor and outdoor surfaces flow seamlessly through the use of consistent materials, polished concrete floors, natural stone, and custom wood finishes that extend into open-air terraces and garden courtyards.

The home features two lower-level bedrooms, each with its en-suite bathroom and a separate entrance from the main house. This design ensures privacy for guests or offers the flexibility to use the rooms as independent rental suites, making it an ideal investment property.

On the main floor, the primary suite is a private retreat, separated from the social areas by a bridge that crosses a serene water feature above the pool.  The main kitchen anchors the heart of the home and connects to the two secondary bedrooms on this level, while the bridge layout preserves the exclusivity of the primary suite.

A Recognized Work of Architectural Excellence

Locals don’t just admire Casa Holmes it’s a distinguished, award-winning home celebrated for its innovative approach to site-responsive design. Its architectural recognition stems from its ability to turn a challenging topography into a livable space that honors both form and function, making it a standout in Costa Rican real estate. 

Whether you’re captivated by modernist architecture, enchanted by the idea of living among nature, or searching for a unique luxury retreat with timeless appeal, this Playas del Coco property offers a rare opportunity to own a landmark residence.

Mentions and awards:

• GRAND PRIX VII Bienal de Arquitectura de Costa Rica, 2004.
• FIRST PLACE Premio Maranta for the consideration of the Landscape. 
• HONORABLE MENTION Premio Metalco.

Highlights:

• 360-degree views of Playas del Coco Bay and the adjacent forest reserve.

• Award-winning architectural design.

• Seamless indoor-outdoor integration with natural rock features.

• Fully custom concrete and glass structure.

• Lush tropical landscaping woven into the living experience.

• Designed by a prominent landscape architect.

• Known locally as “The Glass House” for its striking transparency and views.

Casa Holmes is more than a luxury home, it’s a conversation between nature and design.

Schedule your private viewing and experience this iconic property firsthand.

Mechanical Components of Casa Holmes

Water Softener:

-Duplex system 9500, 1½-inch – Aguamarket brand

Electric Generator:

-Generac, 26,000 watts

Solar Water Heating System:

-30-gallon tank

Infinity Pool:

-Dimensions: 17 meters (length) x 4.80 meters (width)

-Depth: 0.85 meters to 1.70 meters

Main Water Tank: 

-Capacity of 5,000 liters

Backup Water Tank:

-Capacity: 15,000 liters

-Dimensions: 2.5 m x 3 m x 3 m

5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, and a half bath — 3 on the main level and 2 on the lower level, with a separate entrance but also accessible from inside the house.