Sited on an oceanfront cliff on the Pacific coast of Panama with dense mountains of tropical forest behind it, AMA Estancia is a gateway between land and sea. The nearly 10,000 square foot residence flows easily from the dramatic landscape into modern rooms appointed in hand-crafted furniture through floor-to-ceiling windows and doors on every exterior wall, ensuring residents are always a participant in this unique landscape. The client was passionate about sustainability and celebrating the unique natural features of the property, and thus the residence uses sustainably sourced local materials, and integrates local craftsmanship, bringing a modern refined detailing to these elements. The owners established a 500-hectare land reserve with neighboring land owners to reforest critically endangered biological corridors of dry tropical forest, and restore and protect coastal coral environments and sea turtle nesting environments.

The home is organized horizontally to allow for a seamless transition between indoors and out, with a 3 story tower adjacent to the main entry of the house to anchor the design scheme and provide vertical orientation. The master bedroom and office are elevated in the tower, and 5 guest rooms are individual structures along a large, shaded terrace interspersed with interlocking interior gardens. In the living, social and dining spaces, the interior spaces are complemented by adjacent exterior spaces of the same use. This juxtaposition of indoor / outdoor space provides generously scaled rooms, which can be enjoyed throughout the day and night.

Nearly all of the furniture has been designed and created exclusively for AMA Estancia, employing local craftsmen and the use of onsite materials. The tropical hardwoods were sustainably harvested from the estate property. The finishes throughout have been selected to reflect particular schemes and lighting in each room. The exterior plaster contains a combination of sand, marble dust, terra cotta, and concrete, for a color that integrates with the environment and has a subtle luminescence in the sunlight.