Gaío Restaurant at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort | Costa Rica

At Gaío Restaurant inside the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, architecture, cuisine, and landscape come together in a carefully layered experience. Overlooking Culebra Bay in Costa Rica, the restaurant’s cucina abierta—an open kitchen concept—called for materials that could balance transparency, texture, and movement without distracting from the surrounding views.

To achieve this, Archetype collaborated with an international design and construction team to fabricate custom textured glass accent panels that frame the kitchen windows while enhancing light and depth throughout the space.

Custom Ribbed Glass, Engineered to Move with Light

Archetype produced ribbed laminated glass panels based directly on the designer’s drawings. While the project used a familiar reeded glass profile, the innovation came from how it was applied. Each panel was rotated slightly from the next, changing the direction of the linear pattern by degrees.

This subtle variation creates a visual rhythm across the window framing—introducing movement, dimensionality, and shifting light reflections throughout the day. The result is a refined architectural detail that feels dynamic without overpowering the open kitchen or ocean views beyond.

Precision Without Prototypes

The client approached Archetype with a clear vision and a tight timeline. Based solely on drawings and a reference visual, Archetype fabricated the glass perfectly to specification. No physical submittal samples were requested, and no revisions were needed.

This level of trust—and the ability to deliver without iteration—speaks to Archetype’s deep expertise in custom architectural glass and its boutique-style approach to project collaboration, especially for out-of-country clients.

A True Partnership Across Borders

Archetype’s focus on service, responsiveness, and technical accuracy helped ensure the success of this international project. From initial coordination through final delivery, the process was efficient, precise, and collaborative—allowing the design intent to be fully realized on schedule.

As shared by the client upon project completion:

“We have successfully completed the remodeling project, and I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your collaboration and the valuable contribution of your product. I am sharing two photographs of the final finish where your product was used. Once again, thank you for your support and commitment.”
— Esteban Falcón, Arconsa Constructora S.A.

This project exemplifies how thoughtful material execution and trusted partnerships can elevate hospitality environments—especially when every detail matters.