La Bandida is a private residence located
in North Guiones, consisting of two main
structures: the main house, La Bandida,
and a guest house, La Malandra. The
design takes inspiration from the
surrounding protected forest, where tall
trees and a seasonal stream create a lush
natural backdrop. Angie aimed to bring
this jungle atmosphere into the heart of
the project, making nature an integral part
of the living experience.

Key design elements, like large eaves
supported by floating beams, echo the
form and function of the surrounding
trees. These eaves provide shade from the
sun and protection from heavy rains,
allowing for year-round enjoyment of the
space. Warm wood louvers wrap around
the walls and ceilings, adding a natural
texture that balances the cooler tones of
the concrete and metal structure.

The pool continues the tribute to the
natural environment. Its green marble tiles
reflect the colors of the forest, while an
infinity edge extends the experience of
flowing water, mirroring the sound of the
seasonal stream. When still, the water
reflects the surrounding landscape,
offering a constantly changing view from
every angle of the house.

Preserving the site’s natural beauty was a
priority. Large existing trees were carefully
protected and, in some cases,
thoughtfully integrated into the design.
Angie and the homeowners selected
simple, timeless materials with rich
textures. Custom cabinetry made from
exposed-grain teak wood was crafted by a
local workshop, while decorative pendant
lights were handwoven by artisans from
Morocco and Costa Rica.

Lighting was chosen to create a warm,
inviting atmosphere at night. Custom
furniture and decor were crafted locally in
Costa Rica, blending simplicity with subtle
pops of color to keep the space elegant
but full of character.

The project’s name, “La Bandida” (Spanish
for “female bandit”), became a source of
creative inspiration. For Angie, it
symbolized a bold, independent spirit that
shaped the vision for the entire project.

“When I heard the name for the first time, I
couldn’t stop thinking about it. I imagined
a woman who doesn’t follow the rules of
the status quo. She creates her own path,
unapologetically. There’s a hint of
darkness in her, but within that darkness
lies the spark of life. Beneath her mystery
and unpredictability, there is courage and
resilience. This character became a
guiding force for me and the entire
project.”

With this vision in mind, La Bandida
became more than a residence — it is a
bold statement of individuality, strength,
and connection to nature.