Villa Arbolada

Villa Arbolada is built into a slope rather than on top of it. The approach is from above, across a short bridge, so the house is entered at its upper level and descends with the terrain — a decision that leaves the forest floor undisturbed and puts the main living space among the branches.

Full-height glazing wraps the living level on three sides. Because the house sits inside the canopy rather than above it, the view is not a panorama but a close, moving wall of green: howler monkeys at six, toucans through the morning, and the particular quiet that follows afternoon rain.

The interior is finished in local teak and lime plaster, with ceiling fans in place of ducted cooling. A separate guest pavilion sits twenty metres along the ridge, connected by a planted path. The pool is set at the lowest level, half-shaded, with the forest closing in behind it.