On a hilltop in the Osa Peninsula, a magnificent home designed by Juan Robles of Robles Arquitectos sits majestically. Upon closer inspection of Casa Mecano, it is clear that the architectural design is a thoughtful exercise in sustainable planning and construction.

Casa Mecano has been equipped with a series of bioclimatic mechanisms, meaning that the home adjusts to the particular climate of the region. These mechanisms control the levels of air ventilation and circulation around the house by changing the angle of plate glass and awnings.

A similar bioclimatic mechanism controls natural and lighting and temperature in Casa Mecano at different times of the day. This is accomplished with a series of sails and flaps made of reflective materials.

So far we have mechanisms that regulate natural lighting and temperature provided by the sun, as well as air circulation and ventilation; thus making Casa Mecano pretty sustainable in the sense that it barely requires electricity for temperature control and lighting most of the time.

There are other sustainable design factors in Casa Mecano as well. The home structure only occupies 5.3 percent of the lot it sits upon, thereby leaving plenty of space that can be used for reforestation, farming, or as an eco-corridor for animal species.

Casa Mecano also features a rainwater collection system that takes advantage of the area’s generous rainfall. Rainwater can be filtered, treated and stored and can be used as potable water or for other purposes (such as irrigation).

The fact that the house sits on a hilltop that gets a lot of sunshine makes it ideal for the future installation of solar panels. The roof is not encumbered by the shade of trees.

According to ArchDaily, “The local communities [were] taken into consideration since the beginning of the project in order to use the regional resources and reinforce their isolated economies.

Casa Mecano gets a high score on innovation and sustainability, and it is beautiful home as well.