A palapa is an open-sided structure with a thatched roof that's commonly found on Mexican beaches. CDM Casas de Mexico reinterpreted this traditional structure to create a striking modern retreat with an airy interior that opens to the outdoors.

"In its origin, the program was thought to include the creation of a palapa and a pool," say the architects. "In other words, a roofing structure raised above the ground to protect from sunlight, and a hole in the stone to contain water."

However, they did not want the structure to look as if "it had fallen almost randomly" into place, so they designed the roofline to appear as though it "extrudes from the mountain itself towards the ocean."

The architects call the project "a mutable space that transforms into a true viewpoint overlooking the immensity of the horizon during daytime, and an observatory for the stars at night time," as the location is far-removed from artificial light sources.

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Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Javier Dueñas of CDM Casas de Mexico / @cdm_casasdemexico

Builder: Jorge Chavez

Structural Engineer: GSPI Grupo constructor

Civil Engineer: Jorge Chavez

Landscape Design: Juan Carlos Pérez Trejo

Lighting Design: Artenluz, Javier Ten

Interior Design: Alejandra Plasencia

Cabinetry Design and Installation: Wood n Stone/Carpintery