Awesome Apartment

The feeling of stepping into this fully remodeled penthouse can be summarized in the expression "AWESOME"! The intervention carried out by its owner and architect has been practically akin to starting from scratch. The focus on maximizing internal areas and the chosen finishes have simply been outstanding, with the selected colors and overall design language making this apartment a true piece of art. In addition to having no neighbors above the property, the double-height feature is a rarity for the majority of options in the country. Its location is also highly sought after, within the San Rafael de Escazú area, offering the best services and commerce in the country within walking distance. The condominium offers common areas such as gardens, a swimming pool, a clubhouse with a gym, play areas, and spaces suitable for hobbies and celebrations.

Upon entering the apartment, one is immediately struck by the natural light flowing from the visually pleasing termination of a terrace at the back of the social area, which also boasts a wonderful double height with several windows. Unlike most layouts in such properties, the architect ingeniously changed the original layout to achieve a larger living room, an adjacent dining area with a large window, and a truly spacious kitchen. Another key element in this change was the installation of a beautiful floating staircase with thick wooden steps to create a TV room, a home office space, and a storage area. The exposed concrete beam resulting from these changes gives the apartment a sophisticated yet cozy look, enhanced by the chosen color scheme.

The kitchen and its appliances are brand new, with custom-made Spanish furniture reaching up to the ceiling, implying special dimensions in the doors, finishes, and lighting above the countertops and glass shelves, all of which together achieve a wonderful and welcoming impact. The included appliances are built-in: an induction cooktop, two ovens, and an extractor hood. It is worth noting that the oven size is much larger than conventional ones, and the microwave can also serve as a smaller convection oven.

The two bedrooms are of comfortable sizes, each with its own full bathroom. Luxury finishes have been employed and chosen with impeccable selection to complete this outstanding apartment. The walk-in closet achieved through the remodeling is extremely spacious, adding functionality to daily life. This unit boasts a beautiful view of the city and the mountains of the Escazú area, visible from the terrace, windows, and glass doors leading to the balcony from the master bedroom. The condominium has 24/7 on-site security.

LIST OF POINTS MADE IN THE REMODELING:
Redesign of the floor plan:
1. The wall between the living room and the former master bedroom was removed.
2. This allowed the master bedroom to be converted into a dining room and doubled the size of the former kitchen.
3. In addition, the removal of the wall opened up views into the living room.
4. A TV room/office was built above the dining room.
5. An internal wine storage room was built on the second floor - no other VIVA unit has a wine storage room.
6. The former TV room was converted into the master bedroom - the added advantage to this is that the master bedroom now has a sliding glass door/balcony.
7. Moved the wall between the master bedroom and guest bedroom to create a larger master bedroom.
8. Enlarged the master walk-in closet to almost double the size of the previous one.


Construction:
1. Installation of new flooring throughout the house and balconies 2.
2. 80% of the walls are new due to the redesign of the floor plan.
3. New ceilings due to central air conditioning configuration, new lighting, and the addition of fans.
4. All walls and ceilings have been painted.
5. Added central air conditioning - 2 units - one for social area and one for bedrooms.


Kitchen:
1. Doubled the size of the previous kitchen due to relocation of dining room - originally dining room was part of the kitchen/living room area.
2. New custom kitchen cabinets from Spain.
3. Custom kitchen island is now 4 times larger than other kitchen islands in the condo.
4. Installation of “soft close” drawers for additional storage.
5. Indirect lighting around the base of the island.
6. USB electrical / telephone pop-up socket.
7. New appliances from Italy, including an induction cooktop and griddle, as well as an integrated extractor fan in the upper cabinet.
8. Additional recessed lighting and 2 additional lights over the kitchen sink.
9. Shifting the dishwasher to the wall, allowing the sink to be in the center of the countertop instead of against the wall - gives the sink space on both sides instead of just one side.
10. Rewiring the kitchen for 220 volts for the new ovens and stoves, and under-counter lighting and cabinet lights.
11. Added additional electrical breakers for additional appliances and lighting.
12. Added 3 pendant lights over the island.
13. Central air conditioning

Living Room:
1. Installed a large ceiling fan
2. Built staircase to loft
3. In wall stair lighting
4. Indirect lighting in the wall under the built-in handrails

Dining room:
1. Built new furniture for bar under window and additional storage.
2. Built-in display case with 4 built-in drawers below
3. Added 5 recessed lighting.
4. Added a dining room lamp over table.
5. Wallpaper
6. Central air conditioning

TV room/office/storage room - added 26m2
1. Added 7 new recessed lights.
2. Replaced the middle-fixed window with an operable window for air circulation.
3. Installed fiber optic cable.
4. Central air conditioning.

Laundry room:
1. Replaced water heater tank with a flow heater which allowed for additional storage cabinets to be built for additional storage and avoid the possibility of flooding, with the benefit of hot water at the faucets immediately.
2. Added storage above the laundry sink and washer/dryer.

Guest bedroom
1. Added 4 recessed lights.
2. Added a ceiling fan.
3. Added wood venetian blinds to the windows.
4. Central air conditioning

Master bedroom
1. Added new custom black lacquered / frosted glass double doors to the entrance of the bedroom.
2. Doubled the size of the walk-in closet.
3. Expanded the bedroom with a small sitting area.
4. Added 2 pendant lights on each side of the beds and 4 recessed lights.
5. Added ceiling fan.
6. Central air conditioning
7. New floors
8. Blinds with remote control over the sliding glass door.

Master Bathroom
1. Installed new floor and shower walls.
2. Redesigned the shower with a shampoo wall and recessed shower in the ceiling.
3. Replaced the old toilet with a deluxe toilet.
4. Installed a custom vanity with marble countertops.
5. Installed a custom mirrored overhead cabinet for additional storage.
6. Luxury wallpaper for a wonderful effect.