Stories
Todos Santos, Mexico
An interplay of volumes by architects PPAA
Working in collaboration with Pablo Pérez Palacios of Mexico City-based design studio Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados (PPAA), Vipp has opened its latest bookable guesthouse, the tenth in the portfolio and first outside Europe, in the Mexican coastal town of Todos Santos.
Working in collaboration with Pablo Pérez Palacios of Mexico City-based design studio Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados (PPAA), Vipp has opened its latest bookable guesthouse, the tenth in the portfolio and first outside Europe, in the Mexican coastal town of Todos Santos.
“Todos Santos has a very unique blend of topographies, history and influences. We wanted to respect these traditions while creating our own architectural language - one that merges harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.”
- PABLO PÉREZ PALACIOS, ARCHITECT AND FOUNDER OF PPAA
“Todos Santos has a very unique blend of topographies, history and influences. We wanted to respect these traditions while creating our own architectural language - one that merges harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.”
- PABLO PÉREZ PALACIOS, ARCHITECT AND FOUNDER OF PPAA
The strategic placement of architectural volumes directly responds to the captivating landscape and ocean views. Each structure is thoughtfully positioned to maximize visual engagement, creating dynamic exterior spaces defined by carefully orchestrated architecture.
This intentional arrangement captures the essence of the natural environment, establishing harmony between built and unbuilt elements and inviting inhabitants to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the site.
The strategic placement of architectural volumes directly responds to the captivating landscape and ocean views. Each structure is thoughtfully positioned to maximize visual engagement, creating dynamic exterior spaces defined by carefully orchestrated architecture.
This intentional arrangement captures the essence of the natural environment, establishing harmony between built and unbuilt elements and inviting inhabitants to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the site.
Rammed earth construction further enhances this harmony, creating a sustainable and visually striking design. Sturdy walls, crafted from compressed earth, provide thermal mass and reflect an eco-friendly approach.
Rammed earth construction further enhances this harmony, creating a sustainable and visually striking design. Sturdy walls, crafted from compressed earth, provide thermal mass and reflect an eco-friendly approach.
"When you look at architectural masterpieces, like Frank Lloyd Wright's houses where he designed everything, from the shelves to the lamps, it’s an incredible approach. But in today’s world, I’m not sure if that’s still the right way to go. It’s more about bringing together different masterminds.
The person who excels at designing kitchens should design the kitchen, and so forth. That kind of dialogue and collaboration makes architecture work better, rather than assuming one person can design everything - though we often tend to think that way."
– Pablo Perez Palacios, architect, and founder of PPAA
"When you look at architectural masterpieces, like Frank Lloyd Wright's houses where he designed everything, from the shelves to the lamps, it’s an incredible approach. But in today’s world, I’m not sure if that’s still the right way to go. It’s more about bringing together different masterminds.
The person who excels at designing kitchens should design the kitchen, and so forth. That kind of dialogue and collaboration makes architecture work better, rather than assuming one person can design everything - though we often tend to think that way."
– Pablo Perez Palacios, architect, and founder of PPAA
Architectural openings extend beyond functionality, serving as seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Extended walls soften incoming light and align views with precision, optimizing natural light and framing picturesque views. This intentional design element enhances the overall ambiance, reinforcing a connection with the surrounding landscape and fostering a sense of tranquility and visual continuity.
Architectural openings extend beyond functionality, serving as seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Extended walls soften incoming light and align views with precision, optimizing natural light and framing picturesque views.
This intentional design element enhances the overall ambiance, reinforcing a connection with the surrounding landscape and fostering a sense of tranquility and visual continuity.
The meticulously defined exterior space seamlessly transforms into a covered terrace, acting as the focal point for social encounters. Sheltered by a thoughtfully designed roof, this versatile area becomes the heart of communal activities. As night falls, a central fireplace, not merely a source of warmth but a captivating feature, elevates the ambiance.
Serving a dual purpose as a supporting column, its flickering flames create a cozy atmosphere, encouraging shared moments under the starlit sky and making the terrace a cherished space for both day and night gatherings.
The meticulously defined exterior space seamlessly transforms into a covered terrace, acting as the focal point for social encounters. Sheltered by a thoughtfully designed roof, this versatile area becomes the heart of communal activities. As night falls, a central fireplace, not merely a source of warmth but a captivating feature, elevates the ambiance.
Serving a dual purpose as a supporting column, its flickering flames create a cozy atmosphere, encouraging shared moments under the starlit sky and making the terrace a cherished space for both day and night gatherings.
“Vipp has been a perfect partner for this project - A study in contrasts, Vipp Todos Santos embodies a dialogue between Mexican and Danish design traditions.”
– PÉREZ PALACIOS
“I often find that I only understand my own works in hindsight. I go with the flow and see where the process brings me. This is needed and necessary grounding time for me.”
– PÉREZ PALACIOS