rammed-earth residence unfolds around central planted courtyard on mexico's coast

Rammed Earth and Concrete Shape Coastal Home by JVL Architects

Located in Cabo del Este, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Casa del Este by JVL Architects is a fully off-grid residence designed for a North American family. The project combines rammed earth, concrete, and oak to create a durable and context-responsive dwelling that aligns with the region’s arid climate and natural landscape.

Designed as both a retreat and a permanent residence, the house accommodates up to twelve occupants across a main volume and an independent guest casita. The program includes three en-suite bedrooms, social areas, a shaded terrace, a pool and jacuzzi, outdoor cooking and dining spaces, and a three-car garage. The spatial organization prioritizes sea views and wind protection, while ensuring safe and accessible areas for children. Access is defined by a blind wall that preserves privacy and frames a gradual approach to the main entrance through rammed-earth walls and a brick threshold. A central courtyard forms the heart of the house, referencing traditional Mexican architecture. Surrounded by a concrete pergola, the courtyard allows filtered light and natural ventilation while maintaining openness during hurricane season. A torote tree occupies the center, enclosed by endemic vegetation and an earthen floor that reinforces the building’s material identity.

From the courtyard, a sequence of interior and exterior spaces opens toward the terrace, infinity pool, and the Pacific Ocean, located 40 meters away. The social spaces connect directly to the exterior, creating a visual and spatial continuity from the interior to the sea. Bedrooms are arranged to preserve direct views and privacy, with two on each level. The guest casita sits apart, opening onto a private courtyard enclosed by rammed-earth walls. The terrace integrates key outdoor amenities, including a barbecue and bar, firepit, pool, and jacuzzi. A concrete staircase, finished in polished cement and fine sand, extends toward the beach, completing the spatial progression from the house to the shoreline.

all images by César Bejar

Casa del Este Integrates Material Honesty and Structural Clarity

The material palette combines rammed earth, exposed concrete, clay, marble, and oak. Concrete surfaces retain visible formwork textures, producing a horizontal grain that complements the earth walls’ tactile character. The interior design by Mariana Cabrera maintains visual consistency through custom-made furniture, textiles, and finishes emphasizing texture, durability, and material coherence. Sustainability and autonomy are central to the project. Casa del Este operates entirely off-grid through a solar power system. Water is delivered by tanker and treated on-site through a three-tank filtration and storage system, supplying both domestic and irrigation needs. Native plant species, such as agave, ocotillo, torote, and cardón, were selected for the landscape to minimize water use and integrate the building into its environment.

Structurally, the house was designed to maintain the visual continuity of its rammed-earth walls. Columns are integrated within the wall thickness wherever possible to preserve material consistency and avoid visual interruption. At the double-height social area, two 10.5-meter-long window axes open toward the courtyard and terrace, supported by discreet 50×50 cm columns aligned with the architectural grid. The reinforcement structure was modeled in 3D to ensure precision and clarity between concept and construction.

Casa del Este reflects studio JVL Architects’ continued focus on site-specific design and material expression. The project establishes a dialogue between vernacular techniques and modern construction, using rammed earth not only as structure and enclosure but as a means to connect architecture with landscape and climate.

Casa del Este by JVL Architects is located on the coast of Cabo del Este, Baja California Sur

rammed earth, concrete, and oak define the project’s material palette

a central courtyard organizes the home, referencing traditional Mexican architecture

the house was designed to respond to the region’s arid climate and coastal landscape

the sequence of spaces connects the courtyard, terrace, pool, and ocean beyond

the water system filters and recycles resources for domestic and irrigation use

bedrooms are oriented toward the sea, ensuring uninterrupted coastal views

the guest casita opens onto a private courtyard enclosed by rammed-earth walls

the material palette combines rammed earth, exposed concrete, clay, marble, and oak

the interior features custom furniture and natural textiles

project info:

name: Casa del Este

architects: JVL Arquitectos | @jvlarq

location: Baja California, Mexico

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom