Coastal interior architecture
Calma Atemporal
A standardized developer townhouse transformed through precise interventions—before generic became permanent.
A developer-defined plan, reworked for better flow, storage and space.
Beyond the developer plan.
Calma Atemporal began with a familiar constraint: a standardized developer townhouse whose plan had already defined how its future owners were expected to live. The opportunity was to intervene before those decisions became permanent—questioning walls, doors, cabinetry and circulation rather than decorating around their limitations.
The emotional cue came from the softness and warmth of Puglian houses, translated for the Costa Rican coast as a sense of calm rather than a literal style. Conceived for a family of four and shared with guests and short-term renters, the home needed to welcome six to eight people without feeling crowded, generic or overly precious. Every decision had to balance spatial intelligence, character and ease of maintenance.
Planning with purpose
The most valuable square meters were already there.
The transformation began before finishes could conceal the plan’s missed opportunities. An unnecessary shower was removed from the guest bathroom to improve the space beneath the stairs; non-structural walls were selectively eliminated; pocket doors released valuable floor area; and closet doors and interiors were redesigned to maximize storage. The kitchen island was extended, while custom built-ins, bathroom vanities and laundry cabinetry made overlooked areas work harder. Even the revised interior paint color proved so effective that the developer adopted it throughout the remaining townhouses.
Design outcomes
What changed before generic became permanent.
- Room for six to eight people without crowding the compact plan
- Previously overlooked space recovered beneath the stairs
- Clearer circulation through selective wall and door changes
- More storage through custom millwork and redesigned closets
- A richer interior palette that adds depth and warmth
Character with resilience
Personal enough to remember. Practical enough to share.
Bold focal points give each room a distinct identity without overwhelming the compact plan. Behind that visual clarity is a practical material strategy: durable finishes, considered furniture layouts and integrated storage were selected for coastal conditions, frequent occupation and the transition between private family life and short stays.
Photography — Juan Tribaldos
Art direction and production — Martēn Design