Sustainable architecture
Sustainable architecture in Costa Rica
LDB Arquitectura designs buildings and public spaces that use less energy and water in operation and that can be sustained with little maintenance. The order of decisions matters. Passive strategies come first, because they are solved in the design and add almost no cost, such as orientation, shade, ventilation and daylight. Next we review together what is worth keeping, adapting or replacing on the site. Systems and equipment are compared last, with their initial cost and operating cost in view.
What we do and where you can see it
What exists
Keep, adapt or replace, with cost and timeline.
Santa Ana joined three buildings in the historic center. Evertec adapted the interior of an existing building.
Guide The eight steps
Ventilation
Air that crosses from facade to facade.
The Tirrases center ventilates every level. In Tres Ríos a central corridor carries air across the bedrooms.
Elements Cross ventilation
Daylight
Daylight that lowers electricity use.
AutoStar opens its showroom with glass. The El Tirrá gym captures north light with a sawtooth roof.
Elements Light well · Skylight
Rain
Water held on the site.
AutoStar collects it in a detention pond. In Santa Ana the former parking lot became a green courtyard.
Elements Retention pond · Rain garden
Shade
Shade for seating areas and walkways.
Jorge Debravo Park keeps its trees. Plaza de las Garantías Sociales will have a glued laminated timber roof.
Elements Street tree · Eave · Wood
Initial cost and operating cost
Initial cost (CAPEX)
What each strategy costs to build.
Operating cost (OPEX)
What it saves or demands while the building is in use.
Each strategy is weighed with these two numbers. In Tirrases we used exposed concrete for its durability and low maintenance, because a community building depends on what it costs to keep it running.
Equipment such as solar panels or rainwater harvesting systems is evaluated when the building use justifies it, and it is presented with its cost estimate, so the decision is made with the numbers in view.
Reference projects
Santa Ana Municipal BuildingSanta Ana, 2020, 1,962 m². Three existing buildings joined by courtyards. Built.
Evertec TournónTournón, Goicoechea, 2022, 2,334 m². A new interior in an existing building. Built.
AutoStar Santa AnaSanta Ana, 2018, 6,005 m². Daylight and a detention pond. Built.
Tirrases Human Development CenterCurridabat, 2018, 2,558 m². Cross ventilation and low maintenance. Built.
Tres Ríos Lodging CenterTres Ríos, 2024, 1,595 m². Cross ventilation and wood. Schematic design.
Plaza de las Garantías SocialesSan José, 2025, 5,541 m². Glued laminated timber roof. Ready for construction.Sustainable architecture FAQ
Does LDB support projects seeking LEED certification?
LDB does not issue certifications, but it works with LEED certification specialists in Costa Rica. If your project is aiming for LEED or another label, tell us in the preliminary study, because it changes design and specification decisions from the start.
Does sustainable architecture cost more?
Not necessarily. Orientation, shade and ventilation are solved in the design and cost little if they are decided early. Equipment does cost more up front. That is why it is presented together with what it saves in operation.
Can a building do without air conditioning?
In many buildings its use can be reduced and in some it can be avoided. It depends on the altitude, the use and the surrounding noise. In the preliminary study we tell you which spaces can be naturally ventilated.
Is it better to renovate an existing building than to build a new one?
Often it is. Keeping slabs, structure, roofs or walls that still work reduces demolition and new material, as at the Santa Ana Municipal Building. See also our office renovation service.
How is rainwater handled on a site with a lot of hard surface?
With green areas that absorb the water and, when the site requires it, a detention pond that releases it slowly, as at AutoStar Santa Ana.
Related services
- Office renovation and expansionWorkplaces redesigned while the company keeps working
- Public space designParks, plazas, boulevards and sports facilities for municipalities and developers
- Offices, retail and hotelsCorporate, commercial and hospitality projects in Costa Rica
- About LDB ArquitecturaPractice, method and people behind the work since 2000
Tell us about your project
Tell us where the site or building is, what it will be used for and what already exists that you want to keep. With that we prepare a quote with scope and stages.
Contact LDBWhatsApp +506 7079-6388[email protected]