A family retreat nestled into a forested cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and adjacent mangrove habitat.

The residence incorporates a centralized organization with a modern application of proportions, spatial relationships and design details. The residence and site planning were designed collectively to achieve a net-positive environmental impact. The 300-acre property consists largely of old growth dry tropical forest, and all but the plot for the home has been dedicated to conservation as part of the Reserva Ecologica Panamaes. The home is named for the sea turtle conservation project that was developed and implemented in parallel with the design and construction of the residence. Extensive fieldworks preceded and informed the design and construction of the home.

A central patio framed by a wrap-around vaulted arcade serves as the primary organizing element of the design. A water feature situated at its center facilitates evaporative cooling throughout the day. The patio design and orientation increase cross ventilation through the surrounding living, dining and social spaces, while providing daylighting to adjacent spaces.

Shaded terraces lead to two individual guest bungalows set back slightly from the main house to allow for privacy while still keeping the residence integrated and intimate. French doors frame ocean views in each room, and open onto outdoor terraces that serve as adjoining living spaces. Lightweight teak roof structures and concrete slabs take advantage of locally available materials to make the structural design as efficient as possible.

Site Plan

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STUDIO TLALLI
AT LAS TORTUGAS

Studio Tlalli is a high-end design studio that produces furniture and objects made from sustainable materials harvested from our private ecological reserve and assembled by hand in our shop in Pedasi, Panama. Las Tortugas was largely furnished with custom furniture by Studio Tlalli.