Surf Simply
Nosara, Costa Rica
Surf Simply
Nosara, Costa Rica

Channeling Ethos into Architecture

Surf Simply Resort uses space and experience to embody the mindfulness, collaboration, and deep respect for the environment that define surf culture.

Canalizando la esencia en la arquitectura

Surf Simply Resort utiliza el espacio y la experiencia para fomentar la atención plena, la colaboración y el profundo respeto por el medio ambiente que definen la cultura del surf.
HIGHLIGHTS
Características del proyecto
  • 12,917 Square Feet
  • 10 Keys
  • Winner of the 7th Annual Latin America Design Awards by the IIDA Community
  • Services Provided: Architecture Design, Landscape Design, Environmental Graphic Design
  • 1,200 m2
  • 10 llaves
  • Ganador de la 7.ª edición de los Latin America Design Awards, otorgados por la comunidad IIDA
  • Servicios brindados: Diseño de Arquitectura, Paisajismo, Diseño Gráfico Ambiental
A person in a swimming pool.
A person in a swimming pool.
Challenge

Surf Simply Resort was founded with a distinct vision: to transform the process of learning to surf into an experience that is accessible, personalized, and profoundly meaningful. Unlike conventional surf schools, this retreat on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast isn’t just about standing up on the board — it’s about bringing the surf lifestyle closer to everyone, one step at a time. Nestled beside one of the country’s most iconic beach breaks and embraced by the towering Coiba trees, the site offered the perfect opportunity to design a space that connects body, mind, and environment.

Solution

The Gensler team translated Surf Simply’s methodical teaching approach into an architectural language that is clear, systematized, and warm. Simple geometries, natural materials, and a consistent human scale define a two-level layout that minimizes the project’s footprint while preserving the existing vegetation. Open, modular, and fluid spaces encourage social interaction, collaborative learning, and restorative rest. At the heart of the design are training areas intentionally crafted to foster connection between instructors, guests, and nature in an intimate, functional, and authentic setting.

Impact

More than a surf school, Surf Simply has become a catalyst for transformative experiences for guests and the local community alike. The design elevates the guest experience while reflecting the resort’s environmental and social commitments. By prioritizing landscape preservation and promoting a more conscious, collective way of inhabiting space, the project strengthens Nosara’s identity as a destination for active wellness and nature stewardship. Surf Simply doesn’t just teach surfing — it invites people to live surfing as part of an accessible, regenerative, and deeply human lifestyle.

DESAFÍO

Surf Simply Resort nace con una visión distinta: transformar el aprendizaje del surf en una experiencia accesible, personalizada y profundamente significativa. A diferencia de las escuelas convencionales, este centro en la costa del Pacífico costarricense no se enfoca únicamente en “ponerse de pie sobre la tabla”, sino en acercar el estilo de vida del surf a todas las personas, un paso a la vez. Ubicado frente a uno de los beach breaks más impresionantes de Costa Rica y arropado por los árboles majestuosos de Coiba, el sitio ofrecía la oportunidad perfecta para desarrollar un espacio que conectara cuerpo, mente y entorno.

SOLUCIÓN

El equipo de Gensler concibió un diseño que traduce el enfoque metódico de Surf Simply en un lenguaje arquitectónico claro, sistemático y cálido. A través de geometrías simples, materiales naturales y una escala humana constante, el proyecto se estructura en dos niveles para minimizar su huella y preservar la vegetación existente. Espacios abiertos, modulares y fluidos favorecen la interacción social, el aprendizaje colaborativo y el descanso consciente. El corazón del proyecto gira en torno a áreas de entrenamiento diseñadas para fomentar la conexión entre instructores, huéspedes y naturaleza, en una atmósfera íntima, funcional y auténtica.

IMPACTO

Más que una escuela de surf, Surf Simply se ha convertido en un catalizador de experiencias transformadoras, tanto para los visitantes como para la comunidad local. El diseño no solo potencia la experiencia del huésped, sino que encarna el compromiso ambiental y social del resort. Al priorizar la preservación del paisaje y promover una forma de habitar más consciente y colectiva, el proyecto refuerza la identidad de Nosara como un destino de bienestar activo y respetuoso de la naturaleza. Surf Simply no solo enseña a surfear: enseña a vivir el surf como parte de un estilo de vida accesible, regenerativo y profundamente humano.

A person walking on a sidewalk.
A person walking on a sidewalk.
A person walking up a staircase.
A person walking up a staircase.
A person sitting on stairs.
A person sitting on stairs.
A room with a table and chairs.
A room with a table and chairs.
A group of people sitting at a table in a room with a glass wall and a large glass.
A group of people sitting at a table in a room with a glass wall and a large glass.
A person standing in a room with large windows.
A person standing in a room with large windows.
A couple of people standing in a room with a wood wall and a wood floor with a fan.
A couple of people standing in a room with a wood wall and a wood floor with a fan.
A person in a garment in a room with a large window.
A person in a garment in a room with a large window.
A group of people sitting in a living room.
A group of people sitting in a living room.
A person standing in a doorway.
A person standing in a doorway.
A person walking down a hallway.
A person walking down a hallway.
A house with a pool and a deck with a large glass wall.
A house with a pool and a deck with a large glass wall.
A house with a pool.
A house with a pool.
A house surrounded by trees and water.
A house surrounded by trees and water.
Areas of Expertise
Áreas de especialización
Recognition
Reconocimiento
Related Work
Proyectos Relacionados
Further Reading
Lectura adicional
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