Dezeen Magazine

Cliffside home of concrete with thatched roof

Zozaya Arquitectos tops cliffside home in Mexico with open thatched roof

An enormous thatched roof structure with open sides covers the communal areas of this home perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Mexico by Zozaya Arquitectos.

The 775-square-metre Casa Acantilado is located in the bay of Zihuatanejo, an area in which local studio Zozaya Arquitectos has completed several projects.

Cliffside home home with waves and forests
Zozaya Arquitectos completed a cliffside home in Zihuatanejo

The dramatic surroundings feature steep, rocky topography, lending the project the name Casa Acantilado — or Cliff House.

"Birds of different species nest on the slopes of the ridges and a small [nearby] lighthouse warns fishermen and provides light in that immense darkness," said Zozaya Arquitectos.

Cliffside pool with thatched roof
The structure features an enormous open thatched roof

Two levels make up the home, which is accessed from the top due to the site conditions.

On the upper level, Zozaya Arquitectos built an oversized palapa — a traditional Mexican structure built with wooden supports and thatch.

Thatched roof with sculptural lighting and dining area
The top floor has areas open to cross ventilation

These structures are well suited to provide shade and facilitate cross-ventilation.

This one was built using local materials and labour, according to the architecture studio.

Thatched roof with outside chairs and a deck
A deck extends out from the common area on the top floor

"A large palapa welcomes you and houses the social area completely exposed to the Pacific and the cliffs that surround it," the studio explained.

"The palapa is made with regional material such as stone, wood and palm leaves, done by local labor, its shape allows the use of natural light and natural cross ventilation to reduce energy consumption," it added.

Semi-open dining area on the top level with kitchen and bar
Portions of the top floor can be enclosed

The home's living and dining rooms sit beneath this tall structure, looking out onto a deck that wraps around the property and an infinity pool beyond.

Part of the upper level is enclosed by concrete walls. These areas contain the kitchen, a smaller dining area and a media room.

Board-formed concrete stairwell
Unfinished concrete lines the stairwell to the lower level

Most of the walls were left with an exposed concrete finish, highlighting the material that was used for the construction.

An angled staircase funnels the residents to their quarters, all of which are located on the lower level.

There are four bedrooms in the home that share a communal landing, technically open to the elements.

It is covered by the floor above, but a large opening provides uninterrupted vistas of the ocean.

Terrace with columns and sea with lighthouse in the distance
The bedrooms have decks covered by the terrace above

"The staircase to the private area takes you along uncovered concrete walls which allows you to see the movement of the treetops, feel the exterior while being protected," said Zozaya Arquitectos.

Another smaller pool on this level provides residents a continuous relationship with water in nearly every room of the house.

Bedroom with sloped concrete roof
The slope of the site informed the design

Each of the bedrooms includes its own terrace. Because of the home's angled design, all of the bedrooms enjoy views of the Pacific below.

Other seaside projects by the Zihuatenejo-based firm led by Daniel Zozaya Valdés include a low-slung home fronted by bamboo staves for privacy and a home made of curved concrete walls that are meant to evoke the movement of the ocean's waves.

The photography is by Rafael Gamo.


Project credits:
Leader of design & project: Architect Daniel Zozaya Valdés
Design team: Enrique Zozaya, José Antonio Vázquez, Ana Karen Cadena, Cesar Octavio, Jesus Lopez.

More images and plans

Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos
Casa Acantilado Zozaya Arquitectos