Harmonious Retreat on Mexico’s Pacific Coast: A Contemporary Reimagining of Mexican Brutalism
Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Nayarit, a small fisherman’s town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, a home emerges as both an architectural marvel and a serene sanctuary for its owners. Designed by RVO Studio, the residence is an evocative reinterpretation of Mexican Brutalism, seamlessly blending raw concrete power with the soft charm of local materials and cultural traditions. The result is a bold yet inviting home that harmonises effortlessly with its coastal environment - an inspiring fusion of form and function that redefines what a beachside retreat can be.
This home stands as a testament to the transformative potential of design. Its structural backbone is anchored in Mexican Brutalism, a style renowned for its ruggedness and geometric forms, but reimagined here for a more refined, contemporary context. Gone is the rigid, cold austerity often associated with Brutalism’s 1960s and ’70s iterations. Instead, the architects, led by Raul Velazquez of RVO Studio, have crafted a dynamic, livable space that retains the raw power of exposed concrete while embracing the warmth and richness of Mexican craftsmanship.
“The clients’ openness to ideas and creativity, along with their willingness to push the boundaries of how we experience space, truly inspired us on this project,” says Velazquez.
At the heart of the design is the way the home interacts with its surrounding landscape. It revolves around two key elements: the vast, ever-changing Pacific Ocean and a tranquil central courtyard. The layout encourages a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces, while also ensuring privacy and intimacy in an otherwise exposed location.
Architecture as a Reflection of the Elements
The challenge, according to Velazquez, was creating a private, secluded environment in a location where the ocean and public beach were close at hand. “We wanted the house to look at the ocean, but at the same time, feel warm, familiar, and private,” he reflects. This tension between exposure and seclusion became the project’s defining theme.
The architects’ solution was a masterful choreography of architectural elements. Strategic wooden screens and carefully placed partitions shield the home from the prying eyes of neighbours, while still allowing the ocean’s breezes and views to permeate the spaces. The wooden screens, left untreated, weather naturally to a silvery grey, adding an organic texture that contrasts beautifully with the cool concrete.
Inside, the focus is on natural materials - stone and marble dominate the design, adding a timeless quality that will only improve with age. The use of these materials is not just aesthetic but practical, chosen for their resilience against the intense coastal climate. “We always kept in mind the need to use materials that could withstand the salty breeze, extreme humidity, and intense sun of the Mexican coast,” says Velazquez.
A Contemporary Yet Local Sanctuary
The project is a celebration of Mexico’s deep-rooted connection to nature and craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from the region’s tribal and vernacular architecture - structures that have withstood the test of time and the harsh forces of both jungle and ocean - Velazquez sought to blend modernity with tradition. “We were inspired by the local and tribal constructions, which, through the wisdom of countless generations, stand as resilient testaments to human ingenuity, seamlessly blending with nature to defy the relentless heat, torrential rains, and formidable forces of the jungle and ocean,” he says.
In this home, every detail speaks to a harmonious marriage of the contemporary and the local. The design honours Mexican craftsmanship, with elements like hand-carved wood and locally sourced stone, while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. The colour palette, too, reflects the natural surroundings: warm woods, grey concrete, and subtle pops of blue inspired by the ocean. The staircase, for example, features a bold blue hue that contrasts beautifully with the neutral tones of the structure.
One of the most striking features of the home is its ability to balance exposure with privacy. The spacious, open living areas, located on the first floor, open directly to the ocean and invite guests to gather and socialise. Yet, these communal spaces never feel too exposed, thanks to the design’s focus on shaded corridors and breezeways that create a sense of enclosure while maintaining connection to the outside world.
Upstairs, the home’s six bedrooms are more intimate, offering private retreats that feel worlds away from the beach below. These serene spaces allow the owners and their guests to enjoy their own moments of solitude, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the soothing sound of the ocean.
The property also includes a range of other amenities designed for both comfort and convenience, including a media room, gym, four kitchens, a three-car garage, and a separate casita with its own independent garden. Whether for quiet reflection or lively socialising, the house offers multiple spaces to accommodate every mood and occasion.
Working with the Land
A remarkable aspect of this project is its deep respect for the natural environment. Located on land that channels rainwater from the mountains to the ocean, the design integrates this natural flow into the architecture. Rainwater is allowed to follow its path along the structure without obstruction, creating a sense of harmony between the building and the land.
In every corner of the house, from its layout to its choice of materials, the design embraces the coastal lifestyle. Open, airy spaces, natural textures, and a commitment to sustainability create a home that is both a retreat and a reflection of the natural beauty surrounding it. The house doesn’t just occupy its space—it celebrates it, inviting its inhabitants to live in harmony with the Pacific’s rhythms.
The home is not just a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, as its owners intended, but a reflection of the timeless connection between architecture and nature - a contemporary haven that celebrates both the power of concrete and the warmth of local materials. It is a home where openness and seclusion coexist, where the ocean is both a muse and a neighbour, and where the architecture itself becomes a living, breathing part of the landscape.
From its innovative use of materials to its sensitivity to its environment, this home stands as a new chapter in Mexican Brutalism. Here, modernity and tradition blend effortlessly, creating a sanctuary where architecture, nature, and culture come together in perfect harmony. As the house ages, its materials will weather, shift, and evolve, but its essence - a testament to the beauty of Mexican craftsmanship and the power of thoughtful design - will remain timeless.
Credits:
Photos: Marcos Garcia (Instagram @marcosgarciagarcia.2)
Photos: Kassidy Love Photography
Architecture: RVO Studio (Website, Instagram @rvostudiomx)
Interior Design: Hadad Interiorismo