Mexican Brutalism Gets Reimagined for Coastal Living

Raul Velazquez of RVO Studio makes a powerful statement about space and sanctuary in Nayarit, Mexico.

Writer Beth Hitchcock

The vision for this sprawling home on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is one of contrasts: open yet private, modern yet soft, boundary-pushing yet inviting. Craving a retreat from the constant buzz of life in Los Angeles, the homeowners turned to architect Raul Velazquez of RVO Studio to tackle their opposites-attract wish list—a project that took two and a half years to complete.

Velazquez, known for imbuing contemporary spaces with soul, tapped into local craft and building traditions to create a home that would be in harmony with nature while standing up to its occasional fury. “We were inspired by the local and tribal constructions, which stand as a resilient testament to human ingenuity, seamlessly blending with nature to defy the relentless heat, torrential rains, and formidable forces of the jungle and ocean,” he says.

Maximizing the expansive oceanfront views while retaining a sense of privacy was one of Velazquez’s biggest challenges—the property faces a public beach. To accomplish both, he designed the house with an open, ocean-facing façade and a central patio that provides an intimate retreat. Strategically placed wooden screens also add privacy without blocking light or ventilation.

With concrete as its primary material, the six-bedroom home takes it cues from the brutalist movement so prevalent in 1960s Mexico City. But inside, Velazquez softened the home’s linear nature with organic elements, such as untreated timber and natural stone, that will weather and acquire patina as they age. “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,” he says.

Blue tiles and a tinted-concrete treatment on the stairs are a playful nod to the water and sky, punctuating the predominantly neutral scheme. Though it’s not your typical casita, this contemporary dwelling sits comfortably in its landscape. “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,” Velazquez says.