BLACKHOUSE is a sanctuary and a vision, a compound of three homes, designed not to intrude, but to belong, to emerge seamlessly from the land, as if they had always been there - nestled deep in the mountainous jungle, gazing down upon The Whales Tail, a natural wonder of Marino Ballena National Park, Costa Rica. We found this land, over ten acres of untouched rain-forest, and we knew we had to build with purpose, to create something self-sustaining - a compound of three black houses that would blend into the jungle, each powered by the sun, drawing water from its own well. Designed with respect, disturbing as little of the land as possible, the vision was clear. Each one had to be immersed in privacy, yet stay connected, distinct in personality yet sharing a unified soul. The silhouettes were kept pure, minimal - simple forms that disappear into their surroundings. Modern homes often lack warmth. Not BLACKHOUSE. We designed intimacy within scale. In creating this sanctuary, our vision was to create more than just a space, it was to curate a sensory experience unlike any other. Every element, from the crackle of the fire-pit to the gentle cascade of the fountain, was designed to awaken the senses and invite both reflection and connection. Yet, at the heart of it, remains the true masterpiece: the ever-changing, awe-inspiring view, nature’s own design endlessly unfolding. The journey has been one of intense emotions – euphoric highs and crashing lows. We have been challenged to our core but emerged triumphant. Here, design and nature do not compete. They complement. And BLACKHOUSE, the Compound, sits quietly, without fanfare or pretense, a place where serenity, modernity, and sophistication merge into one, a place where the jungle breathes ... and we listen.
MARK LIDDELL TIM DURKOVIC RAUL LAMELAS
RICA COSTA
VE YOUR BEST LIFE
up to the sound of tropical birds, spending ds on pristine beaches or misty cloud forests, and g a culture built around pura vida, the country’s e philosophy of simplicity and joy creates a that feels both grounding and invigorating. table democracy, friendly communities, and a ommitment to environmental protection, Costa ers a sense of safety and purpose that’s hard to ewhere. Whether you’re drawn by the warm the vibrant biodiversity, or the slower, more nal pace of life, Costa Rica invites you to live not mfortably, but meaningfully.
RICA COSTA LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE Waking up to the sound of tropical birds, spending weekends on pristine beaches or misty cloud forests, and enjoying a culture built around pura vida, the country’s signature philosophy of simplicity and joy creates a lifestyle that feels both grounding and invigorating. With a stable democracy, friendly communities, and a strong commitment to environmental protection, Costa Rica offers a sense of safety and purpose that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re drawn by the warm climate, the vibrant biodiversity, or the slower, more intentional pace of life, Costa Rica invites you to live not just comfortably, but meaningfully.
N ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
HOUSE BLACK
nto the landscape, respecting the jungle environment while a quiet strength. Concrete, chosen for its durability in the st’s extreme climate, forms the foundation of the buildings, pansive glass walls open to panoramic ocean views and izing sunsets. Custom furnishings and lighting echo the shapes and patterns found in nature - bamboo’s vertical e, the sinuous curves of dolphins, and the delicacy of leaves in the wind. Details, curated with a meticulous eye, ate lava rock, rusted metal panels and driftwood, grounding iors in texture and authenticity. HOUSE is a testament to the unerring vision of LIDDELL + AS and their ability to translate emotion into design. This is a ome unlike any other. L'S celebrated mastery of light, which once illuminated the Hollywood’s elite, now plays across the surfaces of HOUSE, heightening the drama of its spaces and the king scenery beyond. Through his lens, the interplay of ture and nature unfolds in striking contrast - brilliant sunlit e way to the deep, mysterious darkness of the jungle night.
AN ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
HOUSE BLACK recede into the landscape, respecting the jungle environment while exuding a quiet strength. Concrete, chosen for its durability in the rainforest’s extreme climate, forms the foundation of the buildings, while expansive glass walls open to panoramic ocean views and mesmerizing sunsets. Custom furnishings and lighting echo the organic shapes and patterns found in nature - bamboo’s vertical elegance, the sinuous curves of dolphins, and the delicacy of leaves shifting in the wind. Details, curated with a meticulous eye, incorporate lava rock, rusted metal panels and driftwood, grounding the interiors in texture and authenticity. BLACKHOUSE is a testament to the unerring vision of LIDDELL + LAMELAS and their ability to translate emotion into design. This is a dream home unlike any other. LIDDELL'S celebrated mastery of light, which once illuminated the faces of Hollywood’s elite, now plays across the surfaces of BLACKHOUSE, heightening the drama of its spaces and the breathtaking scenery beyond. Through his lens, the interplay of architecture and nature unfolds in striking contrast - brilliant sunlit days give way to the deep, mysterious darkness of the jungle night.
DESIGN ART THE OF
DESIGN ART THE OF
FACTOR WOW THE
very line works in harmony to create a quiet yet undeniable wow factor. proach begins with cohesion. Lava-rock, inspired wall treatments and textured wallpapers appear throughout e, creating a subtle rhythm that ties each room to the next. These repeated elements aren’t simply decorative, ld a visual language that feels grounded, modern, and deeply intentional. ce the home’s strong architectural bones, the designers introduced black slatted wood as a recurring motif. It ucture and sophistication, but never harshness. A soft, muted color palette tempers the darker accents, the architecture to breathe and the interiors to feel calm and inviting, adding a perfect blend of both ne and feminine aspects. he project’s most striking features is the use of custom floor-length niches designed around specific furniture nstead of protruding into the room, consoles and cabinets tuck seamlessly into the walls, creating a ned look that feels both luxurious and effortless.
el of precision speaks to the designers’ meticulous planning, nothing is accidental, and nothing interrupts the ery detail has been thoughtfully executed. becomes the final layer of drama. Sculptural fixtures punctuate the serene palette, adding movement, drama, nse of curated artistry. These pieces don’t overwhelm, they elevate. ult is a home that feels cohesive, intentional, and quietly spectacular. LIDDELL + LAMELAS prove that true wow n’t about excess, it’s about vision, discipline, and the confidence to design with purpose.
announcing itself without raising its voice. It’s a language of clarity, where form is distilled to its essentials, and every surface, shadow, and junction carries intention. When concrete, metal, and expanses of glass are orchestrated in a palette dominated by black, the result is a design ethos that feels both timeless and unapologetically modern.
with natural lava rock walls and floor g glass windows that look out on to the ular inner courtyard.
ceilings, with natural lava rock walls and floor to ceiling glass windows that look out on to the spectacular inner courtyard.
un lowers, shadows lengthen across the jungle canopy, and the entire landscape glows as if lit from t’s a private vantage point, an elevated theater box for nature’s nightly performance. The air cools, the begin their chorus, and the sky unfurls its colors with a confidence that borders on indulgence.
As the sun lowers, shadows lengthen across the jungle canopy, and the entire landscape glows as if lit from within. It’s a private vantage point, an elevated theater box for nature’s nightly performance. The air cools, the cicadas begin their chorus, and the sky unfurls its colors with a confidence that borders on indulgence.
stone island, black stone countertop and backsplash with premium appliances and cabinetry. The formal dining room, bar, and living room are designed for cated entertaining with a bespoke gold-leaf chandelier from San Miguel de Allende, sly extending to the outdoor living spaces.
waterfall stone island, black stone countertop and backsplash with premium appliances and custom cabinetry. The formal dining room, bar, and living room are designed for sophisticated entertaining with a bespoke gold-leaf chandelier from San Miguel de Allende, effortlessly extending to the outdoor living spaces.
LUXURY IN NATURE BY NATURE INSPIRE D DESIGN
ic solar shades, providing a constant, ng cross breeze.
automatic solar shades, providing a constant, refreshing cross breeze.
decorate its doors, giving it its emblematic textured finish. Its distinct iron base has been cast in a mold to get a tapered shape. The design is completed with a vibrant red interior. This piece was hand made by one of the best and most respected furniture manufacturers in the world, Alfonso Marina.
KHOUSE. They added walls of windows with wooden hat look out on to the large, flat back yard, and flood m with a soft daylight. They created a wooden bench h black wooden slats that extend up the wall and wall of lava rock where an antique, over-sized mirror, d from India, rests.
in BLACKHOUSE. They added walls of windows with wooden blinds that look out on to the large, flat back yard, and flood the room with a soft daylight. They created a wooden bench area with black wooden slats that extend up the wall and added a wall of lava rock where an antique, over-sized mirror, imported from India, rests.
hich was imported mothy Oulton, a d UK furniture r.
table, which was imported from Timothy Oulton, a high-end UK furniture designer.
SENSUAL NATURAL PURE
s life into it. It unfolds as y sanctuary, framed by walls of glass that the boundary between and out. At its center, a black fountain casts a ythm, with a sleek firepit ws as evening hes. Lush vegetation every edge, creating a pestry where birds nest vement feels organic and d. Built-in seating and placed stepping stones gering, guiding you a space that shifts with And at dusk, when the d is drenched in molten ight, the entire home o exhale, revealing its imate and spectacular
SENSUAL NATURAL PURE
breathes life into it. It unfolds as a sensory sanctuary, framed by soaring walls of glass that dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. At its center, a modern black fountain casts a quiet rhythm, with a sleek firepit that glows as evening approaches. Lush vegetation softens every edge, creating a living tapestry where birds nest and movement feels organic and unforced. Built-in seating and artfully placed stepping stones invite lingering, guiding you through a space that shifts with the day. And at dusk, when the courtyard is drenched in molten orange light, the entire home seems to exhale, revealing its most intimate and spectacular self.
essive 137 square meters quare feet). This exquisite pens to a private terrace cuzzi, an outdoor swing, alfresco shower, while the ired en suite features a aking tub, dual vanities, a s walk-in shower, and a oilet chamber with a statert Japanese toilet. A lavish closet is designed for both d functionality. A serene vel guest suite offers garden nd private access, while an powder room showcases a stone-integrated sink and nced Japanese smart toilet.
an impressive 137 square meters (1,475 square feet). This exquisite haven opens to a private terrace with a jacuzzi, an outdoor swing, and an alfresco shower, while the spa-inspired en suite features a deep soaking tub, dual vanities, a spacious walk-in shower, and a private toilet chamber with a stateof-the-art Japanese toilet. A lavish walk-in closet is designed for both style and functionality. A serene main-level guest suite offers garden views and private access, while an elegant powder room showcases a custom stone-integrated sink and an advanced Japanese smart toilet.
en strong architectural using repeated, urves, he created a at feels balanced and hable. Crafted in the om solid teak, the carries the material’s warmth. Built by a ocal artisan, it reflects a el of craftsmanship and a refined sense of
can soften strong architectural lines. By using repeated, gentle curves, he created a piece that feels balanced and approachable. Crafted in the jungle from solid teak, the console carries the material’s natural warmth. Built by a skilled local artisan, it reflects a high level of craftsmanship and delivers a refined sense of luxury.
A POASIS RIVATE
with an outdoor shower, and an expansive covered terrace e with a BBQ pavilion.
jacuzzi with an outdoor shower, and an expansive covered terrace complete with a BBQ pavilion.
ticated palette of charcoal grays and taupes, a very sensuous and unique escape from every
a sophisticated palette of charcoal grays and taupes, creating a very sensuous and unique escape from every day life.
LIFE BEAUTY WILD JUNGLE
nce of refined luxury at BLACKHOUSE. L + LAMELAS mirror the Lava rock walls with er in the living room and continue the effect in the Suite. The floor tiles, in a soft gray tone, offer a ontrast to the charcoal colored wooden slats. Persian over-dyed rugs complete the look with a taupe sectional and luxurious Belgian pillows in nes.
experience of refined luxury at BLACKHOUSE. LIDDELL + LAMELAS mirror the Lava rock walls with wallpaper in the living room and continue the effect in the Primary Suite. The floor tiles, in a soft gray tone, offer a subtle contrast to the charcoal colored wooden slats. Antique Persian over-dyed rugs complete the look with a modern taupe sectional and luxurious Belgian pillows in earth tones.
anship, and coastal serenity e. Two expansive walls of fully ble, floor-to-ceiling glass dissolve ndary between indoors and out, the room to an intimate inner d framed by a sculptural fire-pit anquil fountain. Beyond, the retches into view, lending the sense of effortless luxury and
enter, a custom-built billiards chors the room with its refined ons and artisanal detailing, an n to lively gatherings and relaxed s with friends. Bespoke cabinetry perimeter, offering both elegant and a tailored aesthetic that ments the room’s clean lines and palette. n coastal light and designed for s entertaining, this Games Room es the perfect balance of cation and play, transforming oment into an experience.
craftsmanship, and coastal serenity converge. Two expansive walls of fully retractable, floor-to-ceiling glass dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, opening the room to an intimate inner courtyard framed by a sculptural fire-pit and a tranquil fountain. Beyond, the ocean stretches into view, lending the space a sense of effortless luxury and calm. At the center, a custom-built billiards table anchors the room with its refined proportions and artisanal detailing, an invitation to lively gatherings and relaxed evenings with friends. Bespoke cabinetry lines the perimeter, offering both elegant storage and a tailored aesthetic that complements the room’s clean lines and natural palette. Bathed in coastal light and designed for seamless entertaining, this Games Room embodies the perfect balance of sophistication and play, transforming every moment into an experience.
gazing into the surrounding jungle canopy. The en-suite bathroom continues the atmosphere of refined calm. Soft, neutral tones flow across imported European stone and artisanal tiles, giving the space a gentle, contemporary elegance. A large walk-in shower, framed by glass doors that open outward, becomes a sculptural centerpiece that enhances both light and openness. Altogether, the suite embodies modern luxury through tranquility, tactile comfort, and a seamless relationship with its lush natural setting.
DESIGNED WITH SOUL
DESIGNED WITH SOUL
to an exclusive beneath the pool, g a stylish Guest ent with a bedroom, wet bar, full designer m, and spacious A fully equipped gym oceanfront lounging ovide a private escape. bility and selfcy are at the core of dence, with a legal water well, a solar system with battery nd an advanced water system mented by a backup or, ensuring upted luxury living.
is home to an exclusive retreat beneath the pool, featuring a stylish Guest Apartment with a bedroom, lounge, wet bar, full designer bathroom, and spacious closet. A fully equipped gym and an oceanfront lounging deck provide a private wellness escape. Sustainability and selfsufficiency are at the core of this residence, with a legal private water well, a solar energy system with battery walls, and an advanced water filtration system complemented by a backup generator, ensuring uninterrupted luxury living.
ALUXURY ESCAPE
ALUXURY ESCAPE
. Overhead, bright macaws glide by, their wings catching the last light. From the jungle behind you soft chorus of evening sounds—distant calls, rustling leaves, and the hum of life waking up for the verything blends together into a peaceful, exclusive , effortless escape.
moment. Overhead, bright macaws glide by, their wings catching the last light. From the jungle behind you comes a soft chorus of evening sounds—distant calls, rustling leaves, and the hum of life waking up for the night. Everything blends together into a peaceful, exclusive , effortless escape.
A OF LIFE ART PURE
ntion that lie beyond. As they open, a private drive winds deeper into the jungle, the canopy ust enough to reveal glimpses of something striking and impossibly modern. Then it appears: a al architectural masterpiece with lava stone and rust toned metal accents, rising from the pe with quiet confidence. The contrast between raw nature and refined design creates a magnetic an immediate sense of intrigue and wonder, inviting guests into a sanctuary where architecture erness meet in perfect, unexpected harmony.
and intention that lie beyond. As they open, a private drive winds deeper into the jungle, the canopy parting just enough to reveal glimpses of something striking and impossibly modern. Then it appears: a sculptural architectural masterpiece with lava stone and rust toned metal accents, rising from the landscape with quiet confidence. The contrast between raw nature and refined design creates a magnetic tension, an immediate sense of intrigue and wonder, inviting guests into a sanctuary where architecture and wilderness meet in perfect, unexpected harmony.
ONE VILLA
on turns lazy, curl up in the hammock and let the ocean breeze and birdsong lull you into a peaceful nap, ream and reality blend into one effortless moment.
ONE VILLA
afternoon turns lazy, curl up in the hammock and let the ocean breeze and birdsong lull you into a peaceful nap, where dream and reality blend into one effortless moment.
e gated estate is the result of a visionary collaboration between internationally renowned rs LIDDELL + LAMELAS, alongside celebrated architect Martin Wells. Together, they have a luxurious sanctuary that redefines modern tropical living.
exclusive gated estate is the result of a visionary collaboration between internationally renowned designers LIDDELL + LAMELAS, alongside celebrated architect Martin Wells. Together, they have crafted a luxurious sanctuary that redefines modern tropical living.
a relaxed vantage point over both the ocean surrounding jungle. Every space is arranged mize the view and elevate the experience of ng in a secluded, luxurious setting.
creating a relaxed vantage point over both the ocean and the surrounding jungle. Every space is arranged to maximize the view and elevate the experience of unwinding in a secluded, luxurious setting.
PATTERN FORM TEXTURE
are meters (3,089 square boasts a grand Primary cozy yet modern living ng area, and a high-end designed for entertaining pectacular sensuous m with double sinks, a shower, a separate W.C. closets. The Villa also a private pool, an shower, a separate and storage area, and a ed yoga deck nestled in perfect for peaceful n and wellness.
287 square meters (3,089 square feet). It boasts a grand Primary Suite, a cozy yet modern living and dining area, and a high-end kitchen designed for entertaining and a spectacular sensuous bathroom with double sinks, a double shower, a separate W.C. and two closets. The Villa also includes a private pool, an outdoor shower, a separate laundry and storage area, and a dedicated yoga deck nestled in nature, perfect for peaceful reflection and wellness.
TWO VILLA
m suites designed for relaxation, a professionalffice perfect for remote creative pursuits, and a pen-concept kitchen that ortlessly into the spacious outdoor living areas. A nfinity-edge pool ks the coast, providing a escape. Additional es include a fully equipped aundry facilities, and ample
TWO VILLA bedroom suites designed for ultimate relaxation, a professionalgrade office perfect for remote work or creative pursuits, and a sleek, open-concept kitchen that flows effortlessly into the spacious indoor-outdoor living areas. A private infinity-edge pool overlooks the coast, providing a serene escape. Additional amenities include a fully equipped pantry, laundry facilities, and ample storage.
s into molten color, distant towns flicker to life like constellations on the horizon, and the owly deepens into velvet. The architecture frames these moments with deliberate artistry, g you in a cocoon of refined luxury and thoughtful design. It’s a place where the boundaries n indoors and out blur, where comfort feels effortless, and where the rhythm of daily life ay to something more dreamlike. At BLACKHOUSE VILLAS, you don’t simply stay, you a vision of living that feels both intimate and extraordinary.
dissolves into molten color, distant towns flicker to life like constellations on the horizon, and the ocean slowly deepens into velvet. The architecture frames these moments with deliberate artistry, wrapping you in a cocoon of refined luxury and thoughtful design. It’s a place where the boundaries between indoors and out blur, where comfort feels effortless, and where the rhythm of daily life gives way to something more dreamlike. At BLACKHOUSE VILLAS, you don’t simply stay, you inhabit a vision of living that feels both intimate and extraordinary.
NATURAL SIMPLE MODERN
NATURAL SIMPLE MODERN
rich textures, and meaningful artwork. These high-end details introduce warmth, character, and a sense of livedin sophistication, turning a house into a home with depth and personality. LIDDELL + LAMELAS excel in this craft. Their refined eye for luxury pieces and custom, one-of-a-kind elements allows them to shape interiors that feel both elevated and deeply individual. Through their thoughtful approach, every accessory becomes intentional, every artwork becomes a focal point, and every room gains a sense of effortless harmony.
nal retreat. Both spaces open dible ocean and jungle views, a sense of calm and escape ment you step inside. Soft ghting highlights the clean d rich textures, while high-end add a polished, luxurious very detail is chosen to comfort and style, turning y routines into something lly indulgent.
a personal retreat. Both spaces open to incredible ocean and jungle views, creating a sense of calm and escape the moment you step inside. Soft mood lighting highlights the clean lines and rich textures, while high-end fixtures add a polished, luxurious touch. Every detail is chosen to elevate comfort and style, turning everyday routines into something beautifully indulgent.
UVITA VIDA PURA
t ease with an undercurrent of quiet sophistication. Its iconic Whale Tail sandbar—an natural formation revealed at low tide sets the tone for a place where nature feels both and grand. Waterfalls tumble into refreshing pools just minutes from refined boutique while gourmet kitchens elevate local ingredients into something transcendent. Uvita’s es in its balance: wild yet welcoming, serene yet full of life, a town where mornings begin call of toucans and evenings end with sunsets that feel almost theatrical. It’s the kind of ion that doesn’t just impress—it lingers.
UVITA VIDA PURA barefoot ease with an undercurrent of quiet sophistication. Its iconic Whale Tail sandbar—an elegant natural formation revealed at low tide sets the tone for a place where nature feels both intimate and grand. Waterfalls tumble into refreshing pools just minutes from refined boutique hotels, while gourmet kitchens elevate local ingredients into something transcendent. Uvita’s charm lies in its balance: wild yet welcoming, serene yet full of life, a town where mornings begin with the call of toucans and evenings end with sunsets that feel almost theatrical. It’s the kind of destination that doesn’t just impress—it lingers.
t: MARTIN WELLS @MWMM te: TIMOTHY DURKOVIC y manager: FABIAN FALLAS
BLACKHOUSE
estination Design COSTA SIGN ITS BEST RICA MAGAZINE