A pair of lightweight, L-shaped roofs top the four volumes that form this house in Los Cabos, Mexico, designed by Estudio Ignacio Urquiza Ana Paula de Alba.
The hilltop Casa en Palmilla comprises two sets of two volumes, arranged in a way that forms a central, trapezoidal courtyard in between.
Estudio Ignacio Urquiza Ana Paula de Alba paired up these volumes by linking them with two L-shaped pitched roofs, built from laminated oak and topped with clay tiles.
The beams are expressed across the ceilings of the lofty interiors, and deep overhanging eaves help to shade the spaces from the bright sun.
"Their 2.1-metre-deep perimeter overhangs extend around the different built elements, creating generous shadows over walls and glazing and ensuring appropriate thermal performance for the region," said the studio.
Each of the four volumes contains a distinct program, with the first containing service areas such as parking, storage rooms, mechanical spaces, service quarters and laundry.
Under the same roof, a second block contains three identical guest suites lined up in a row and another shared bathroom at the end.
Within this volume, a freestanding wooden element detached from the roof plane defines each guest bathroom and dressing area.
Beneath the second L-shaped roof, the third volume accommodates a main suite with two independent walk-in closets and a study that can also function as a family room.
The fourth volume contains the living room, dining area, and open kitchen, and opens on both long facades via two 12-metre glazed panels.
When open, the space effectively becomes a lanai that links the courtyard with a large terrace and a swimming pool on the other side.
"The separation of the project into two primary wings allows the house to adapt to different modes of occupation," said the studio. "It can function as a single-bedroom residence and, when required, activate the second L-shaped wing to increase capacity."
The placement and orientation of the volumes intentionally capture views, promote cross ventilation and create a shaded circulation path around the site.
Both the exterior and interiors, including furniture selected by Alejandra Usobiaga, follow a sandy palette that relates to the region's arid climate and landscaping.
"Defined by a neutral material palette, the house reads as a monochromatic monolith of sand-colored textured concrete, softened by carpentry elements and a structural laminated oak roof," the studio said.
Founded by Mexican architect Ignacio Urquiza and interior designer Ana Paula de Alba, the firm has also completed a quartet of houses on a hilltop in Valle de Bravo, while its restaurant, Rubra, was longlisted in the hospitality project category of Dezeen Awards 2025.
The photography is by Ignacio Urquiza Luna Parra.
Project credits:
Architecture office: Estudio Ignacio Urquiza Ana Paula de Alba
Architect: Ignacio Urquiza Seoane
Design team: Michela Lostia di Santa Sofía, Aida Hurtado, Salvador Hurtado, Ana Laura Ochoa
Furniture and decoration: Alejandra Usobiaga
Furniture and decoration team: Vanessa Lira, Daniela Sofía Nuñez
Art consultants: Galería KAYA, Mariel Prieto, Alejandra Usobiaga
Construction: Emiliano Zedillo
Lighting design: ILWT Miguel Ángel Vega