Floating House
The Floating House is a three-level home located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The building measures about 400 square meters and is placed on a sloping hillside site. Passive design strategies guide the project, including site-specific positioning and the use of natural resources. Industrial and prefabricated building techniques are combined with locally harvested and regenerative materials. Large roof overhangs protect the spaces below from rain and solar radiation. Solar energy is collected on the roof. Terraced gardens and balconies face the surrounding landscape.
Floating House Residential Architecture by Oliver Schütte was identified as a creative illustration of industrial design by the A' Design Awards. Floating House Residential Architecture was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design in 2026. The A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award is a juried, academic and highly prestigious design prize which celebrates superior design of sustainable projects, environment friendly designs, recycled, upcycled, bio-degradable products, Energy-Efficient appliances and more.
