A Breezy, Self-Sufficient Home in Los Cabos Keeps it Cool—Literally
This off-grid residence by FabrikG is finely tuned to its seaside locale to regulate temperature.
Nestled in the enchanting East Cape region of Los Cabos, Hawks Nest House by FabrikG takes design cues from the landscape. "For us, the place, the land itself, is very revealing," says architect Gonzalo Elizarraras, who has a master degree in landscape architecture. "Not just because we adapt our projects according to how they’re going to sit on the land or [interact with] the natural environment, but also how you live in Baja in general."
FabrikG architects Gonzalo Elizarraras and Manu Ponte designed Hawks Nest House to be symbiotic with the landscape of Baja California.
Photo by Paola López González
Elizarraras and architect Manu Ponte worked closely with the owners to create a home symbiotic with the landscape and the residents’ way of life. The six structures comprising the dwelling include an art studio, guesthouse, and meditation room—all spread over the topography to best take in the views and benefit from natural airflow.
The kitchen was oriented to take in the coastal views. "You have, on one side, a beautiful long window looking at the ocean," says Elizarraras. "On the other side, you can open up the whole patio. It’s very refreshing, not just temperature-wise, but regarding how you experience the space."
Photo by Paola López González
Get the Pro Newsletter
What’s new in the design world? Stay up to date with our essential dispatches for design professionals.
"I think patios are very important in this kind of weather-adjusting architecture," says Elizarraras. "They come all the way from Arabic architecture, from 15th-century Southern Spain."
Photo by Paola López González
Building materials were locally sourced to create a home that naturally extends from the terrain. Local stone and rammed earth make up the structure’s walls and foundation. Polished concrete floors create a monochromatic look that draws from and reflects the deserts of Baja.
Shop the Look
Innit Designs Acapulco Chair
The Innit Designs Acapulco Chair is cool in more ways than one. Based on the original 1950s design, it has an open and airy yet ergonomic and supportive open weave vinyl seat inspired by traditional Mayan hammock weaving techniques. The pear-shaped seat and architectural steel frame give the chair a retro-modern aesthetic suitable both indoors and out. Made in Toronto, Canada The Acapulco is in every way 'cool'. With avocado shaping and a comfortable woven seat, this series offers up a lounge space like no other. The seating itself is based upon time-honored Mayan hammock weaving technology in a design that unifies tradition with innovation and harmonizes the function of ergonomic comfort. Its weave perfectly cradles the body within its clean lines (without suffocating) and offers a character of casual sophistication. Flexible yet durable vinyl cord seating conforms to the sitter for the ultimate lounge experience. Acapulco Chairs have been tested according to ANSI BIFMA standards for commercial use. All materials used in production are sourced in Canada. And chairs are woven in Toronto and Los Angeles and paired with weather resistant, galvanized and polyester powder coated steel frames. Woven vinyl is phthalate free and treated to resist UV rays. Note: Chrome and copper frame finishes are suitable for indoor use only.
ShopEames Molded Plastic Dowel-Leg Side Chair (DSW)
The unmistakable Eames Molded Plastic chair takes on a different life with each of its base offerings. The wooden dowel legs of the Eames® Molded Plastic Side ChaCharles and Ray Eames believed that “design is a method of action,” and they continually updated their work as new materials became available. Their Molded Plastic chairs were originally designed in metal and entered as a prototype in MoMA’s 1948 International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design. They then changed the material to fiberglass in 1950, and today the chairs are made of recyclable polypropylene. Charles was dissatisfied with the fiberglass, and it wasn’t until after his death that the matte finish he desired was achieved, thanks to advances in materials. “The chair that Charles and Ray were designing,” explains grandson Eames Demetrios, “is the chair that’s made tomorrow.” The deep seat pocket and waterfall seat edge keep you comfortable by reducing pressure on the backs of thighs. This is an authentic chair by Herman Miller, Inc. Eames is a licensed trademark of Herman Miller. Made in U.S.A. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach
ShopThe roof terrace offers a refreshing view of the ocean. "It's important for us to consider how to place architectural elements based on the topography and orientation, and how they’re going to face the sunset, the sunrise, and interact with the wind blowing over the land," says Elizarraras.
Photo by Paola López González
The use of local building materials also boosts the home’s thermal capabilities, allowing the space to regulate temperature naturally—cooling off in the summer and retaining heat in the winter. The layout promotes cross-ventilation: taking cues from Islamic architecture, Hawks Nest House incorporates patios, courtyards, and water features to help create micro-weather patterns inside, ensuring the house remains in peaceful sync with the elements.
One of the home’s water features adorns a space between the bedrooms and main home. "We treat all the water from the house to clean them for irrigating the rest of the house," relates Elizarraras.
Photo by Paola López González
A solar panel system and water treatment plant work together to ensure the home remains completely energy-independent. The focus on passive builds is a central tenet of FabrikG’s practice, which harnesses local skills and materials to produce eco-friendly, self-sustaining structures.
While not connected to the house's irrigation, the saltwater pool has its own solar-powered saline pump and cleansing system.
Photo by Paola López González
Hawks Nest House master plan
Related Reading: An Exquisite Beach Resort on Baja California Sur Lies Where the Water Meets the Horizon
Project Credits:
Architect: FabrikG
Structural Engineer: Sai Proyectos
Civil Engineer: Gerson Huerta
Landscape Design: fabriKG
Interior Design: Leah Porter
Sound Engineer: Jose Luis Bandini
Cabinetry Design: BC Design Studio
Stonemasonry: Baja Stone Market
Published