Project

House in Palmilla

- Los Cabos, Mexico

A meticulously crafted residence in Los Cabos, featuring L-shaped roofs and a central trapezoidal courtyard, designed for optimal climatic response.

Desert landscape with modern house, trees, and cactus.

A desert landscape with a modern house partially visible behind trees and a large cactus in the foreground.

Story

House in Palmilla

A residence harmonizing with the Los Cabos landscape Nestled in the hills of Los Cabos, the House in Palmilla is a testament to architectural sensitivity towards climate and context. The design, orchestrated by Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos and Ana Paula de Alba, is defined by two L-shaped roofs that shelter four independent volumes. These volumes are arranged around a central trapezoidal courtyard, creating a dynamic spatial dialogue. The roofs, crafted from wood and clay, extend with 2.1-meter-deep overhangs, casting generous shadows that enhance thermal performance. This thoughtful design ensures that the house remains cool, an essential feature in the sun-drenched landscape of Los Cabos. Each volume within the residence serves a distinct function. The service areas, guest accommodations, and the main suite are strategically placed to maximize privacy and functionality. The living spaces, with their expansive glazed openings, seamlessly connect the interior with the exterior, offering views of the Sea of San José. Material choices further complement the design's climatic considerations. A palette of sand-colored textured concrete, structural laminated oak, and integrated carpentry elements creates a cohesive aesthetic that resonates with the surrounding environment.

Design Highlights

Two L-shaped roofs with deep overhangs for shade and cooling Central trapezoidal courtyard that organizes the spatial layout Distinct volumes for service, guest, and living areas Expansive glazed openings for seamless indoor-outdoor transitions Neutral material palette enhancing the natural setting

Key Facts

Feature Description
Location Los Cabos, Mexico
Architects Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos, Ana Paula de Alba
Year Completed 2026
Materials Wood, clay, sand-colored concrete, laminated oak
Key Elements L-shaped roofs, central courtyard, glazed openings

Technical summary

Updated 4/23/2026

Finishes

  • Roof: Lightweight roofs resolved in wood and clay tiles.
  • Walls: Sand-colored textured concrete walls.

Materials

  • Wood — Roof and interior elements.
  • Clay — Roof tiles.
  • Concrete — Walls and structural elements.

Construction / Systems

  • Roof system: Two L-shaped roofs with perimeter overhangs for shading.
  • Structural system: Independent volumes beneath L-shaped roofs.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Sand-colored, Neutral tones
  • Lighting: Soft daylight filtering through apertures.

Images

Desert landscape with modern house, trees, and cactus.
Courtyard with gravel paths, desert plants, and buildings with wooden doors and clay-tiled roofs.
Exterior view of a modern house with clay tile roof, concrete walls, and a gravel courtyard with rocks.
Modern house with tile roof and beige walls, surrounded by gravel and desert plants.
Modern house with clay tile roof and wooden elements in a desert landscape.
Exterior of a house with clay tile roofs and a gravel landscape with sparse vegetation.
Modern house courtyard with gravel, sparse vegetation, and buildings with wooden and clay roofs.
Exterior view of a modern house with tiled roof and desert landscaping.
Courtyard with gravel and desert plants surrounded by buildings with clay-tiled roofs.
Modern house with patio, lounge chairs, swimming pool, and desert landscape.
Exterior view of a modern house with a flat roof, sandy-colored facade, and desert landscaping including cacti and agave.
Open-plan kitchen and dining area with wooden cabinetry and island, leading to an outdoor courtyard with gravel and desert plants, featuring a slanted wooden roof.
Walkway with wooden overhang and vertical concrete elements leading to a courtyard with gravel and plants.
Open-plan kitchen and dining area with wooden elements and large openings to the outdoors.
Interior view of a modern kitchen and dining area with wooden furniture and an outdoor view.
Interior space with seating area, wooden ceiling, and open entrance to the outdoors.
Interior of a modern dining area with wooden ceiling, dining table, chairs, and stone fireplace, open to outdoors.
Interior of a modern house with wooden ceiling, dining table, sofa, and painting, opening to outdoor area with lounge chairs.
Living space with wooden ceiling beams, concrete column, seating area, and dining table.
Living room with wooden ceiling, maroon sofa, coffee table, and wall-mounted TV.
Interior hallway with wooden paneling and sheer curtains, featuring a wooden ceiling with exposed beams.
Interior of a bedroom with two beds, wooden ceiling, and a door leading outside.
Floor plan of a house showing various rooms and outdoor areas.
Floor plan of a house with two L-shaped roofs and multiple rectangular sections.

Similar projects

More by tags ->

Projects by the architect

View Ignacio Urquiza . de Alba ->
No other projects found for this architect yet.