The entire structure of this office building designed by Ignacio Platas for Metaflora.org on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is made of bamboo (Guadua Angustifolia).

The main function of the translucent tensile roof is to provide adequate light during the short days, contrary to popular belief the tropics are rather dark places, especially inside of a rainforest. The amber cover acts as a filter to natural light creating open luminous work spaces on the second floor; its three meter overhang producing a surrounding yellow hallo.

The minimal use of walls provides the cross ventilation essential for tropical living.

This project is under construction. 2005