CDM architects builds SJA house on the shores of the mexican pacific

CDM architects builds SJA house on the shores of the mexican pacific
all images © rory gardiner

located on the picturesque pacific shores of san juan de alima is the ‘SJA house’. designed and completed by CDM architects, the dwelling sits in the center of a bay, 20 meters above sea level. the leading concept behind the project was to create a visual and spatial relationship between the home, hill, and sea. a program was developed respecting important natural elements, and leaving space for man-made gardens wherever necessary.

living room and palapa

the space is built on a single platform, organized around a central palapa–palm roofed structure–and adjacent plaza. to the west, is a pool that stretches to the extremities of the site before a sharp 20 meter drop to the sea. the master bedroom is located in the south, while the bar, grill, and wood oven are located opposite; in the north. the kitchen and living room are located in the east, where they seamlessly integrate into the visual continuity of the hill. aside from the main structure, ‘SJA’ features four independent guest rooms with accompanying beach club and facilities. 

bar 

stone was extracted from the hill to form main platforms and walls, with exposed concrete where structurally necessary. laminated wood forms columns and beams and are complimented by accents of cedar woodwork. the palapa is made of locally-sourced timber and palm. flooring was completed using both sandblasted marble–smooth, non-skid texture–for interiors, and coraline–excellent thermal capacity–for the exterior. 

outdoor dining area 

living room set into the hill

patio

looking out towards the central plaza

sliding doors open and close the space

master bedroom

terrace and pool

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