thatched roofs crown exposed-structure houses by ana nuño de buen and palma in mexico

a contemporary interpretation of the traditional palapa structure provides natural shade and ventilation to the rooftop spaces.

thomai tsimpou February 25, 2025 3 min

Ana Nuño de Buen and Palma complete residence in mexico

Los Bananos, designed by architect Ana Nuño de Buen and Palma architecture office, is located on a sloping site in Sayulita, a lively beach town on the Mexican Pacific coast. This residential project introduces two thoughtfully positioned houses designed for long-term living. In contrast to the dominance of short-term rentals and high-end villas in the area, Los Bananos caters to those seeking a more permanent connection to Sayulita’s vibrant energy.

Defined by a cohesive material palette of stuccoed walls and an exposed structural framework, the residences balance raw materiality with the refined simplicity of their form. A contemporary interpretation of the traditional palapa structure crowns each house. The thatched roof element provides natural shade and ventilation to the rooftop spaces while referencing the vernacular architecture of the region.

thatched roofs crown exposed-structure houses by ana nuño de buen and palma in mexico - 1 — all images by Arturo Arrieta

thatched roofs top the two houses composing Los Bananos

Mexican architect Ana Nuño de Buen and the Mexico City-based team of Palma subtly rotate each house in the plan to respond to the topography of the site and frame distinct perspectives of Sayulita’s rolling hills and ocean horizon. Despite sharing a unified architectural language, the two buildings maintain unique spatial experiences, emphasizing privacy and a relationship with the outdoors. Expansive terraces, rooftop spaces, and open-plan communal areas, including a kitchen, dining, and living space, reinforce the commitment of the project to indoor-outdoor living, a defining aspect of the Sayulita lifestyle.

By integrating the locally rooted material and technique of the thatched roof, the project bridges past and present, offering a contemporary yet contextually resonant living experience. With three bedrooms and a studio in each home, the residences support a flexible and enduring way of life in Sayulita, fostering a deep sense of place beyond fleeting stays.