House in Nicaragua

Concept design package, April 2026

Nicaragua is defined by contrast and intensity. A land of volcanoes, lakes, and tropical forests, it moves between a humid rainy season with sudden, heavy rain and a dry season that reshapes the landscape. Strong coastal winds and occasional hurricanes reveal its exposure to larger climatic forces, while inland vegetation remains lush and abundant. Its raw, untamed nature continues to draw tourism.

Palms, hardwoods and flowering trees create layered canopies, while shrubs and ground plants quickly regenerate after dry periods. In wetter regions, greenery remains thick year-round, reinforcing the sense of a resilient landscape.

The country is affected by the weather particularly along the Caribbean coast. Intense rainfall and sudden pressure changes impact both natural and built environments. Inland, the effects are also felt through heavy storms and shifting weather patterns, making it an important factor in how the territory is inhabited.

The building in this project develops around a central courtyard which functions also as the main entrance and common garden. This space is protected from winds and shaded by larger trees growing inside it.

Vernacular architecture in Nicaragua is shaped by climate, materials, and practicality. Buildings often use locally available wood, earth, or concrete, with elevated floors to manage humidity and flooding. Roofs are typically steep and extended, allowing rapid drainage and providing shade, while openings are designed to encourage cross-ventilation. The result is a direct, functional architecture that responds to weather conditions without excess.

The new architecture takes inspiration from the vernacular: an elevated deck that also covers the central garden, wood is used for the roof and as a wall finish and the interiors have windows on both sides for ventilation. The facades are shaded by the broad eaves and the inner courtyard helps with natural ventilation and evening cooling.

Tourism has become a steady source of income, especially in regions known for natural landscapes. Locals adapt their homes to accommodate visitors, renting out individual rooms or separate units while continuing to live on-site. 

This creates a hybrid condition where domestic space and hospitality overlap, allowing owners to generate income while maintaining a presence within the property. The arrangement remains informal in many cases, shaped more by opportunity and seasonality than by strict models of development.