Situated on the wild and beautiful Playa El Zonte in El Salvador, Al Suave House is a testament to thoughtful architecture envisioned by the award-winning Salvadorian architectural firm Cincopatasalgato and Pepe Cabrera Homes (Spain). Available as a rental property, Al Suave House presents an enchanting space where moments of connection and discovery unfold, with each corner of the five-bedroom villa showcasing its transformation from a humble beach house to a visionary haven, embodying the essence of community and exploration.
“We really took our time to speak with each member of our client’s family, including the children, to truly grasp what was important to them”, says architect José Roberto Paredes. “The result of this highly personal approach to design is a unique dwelling that resonates with the spirit of Playa El Zonte. It’s a tropical haven where the essence of community, family, and exploration thrives”.
Led by Paredes, Founder of Cincopatasalgato, and Paula Cabrera Gil of Pepe Cabrera Homes, Al Suave House stands as a pioneering property on the coastline of El Zonte; an emerging Central American destination celebrated for its unmatched surf breaks and stunning landscapes. This villa marks a significant milestone in the region’s architectural landscape, effortlessly blending its contemporary facade with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The collaboration between the two architecture studios shares the same ethos of architecture to create connections between people and always in the active search of the client’s emotions, feelings and stories.
Sleeping up to 12 guests in its five bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, Al Suave House features an open kitchen and living area, a swimming pool with contoured river design, ocean front garden with direct beach access, outdoor showers, and a media room and kids pavilion, making it an idyllic destination for an enchanting family or group vacation.
“Al Suave House, or Casa Al Suave for the Spanish-speakers, is a particularly chill home that allows its guests to wake up every morning to the sound of the waves and views of the sea from every corner of the house,” says Gil. “More than a home to live in, Al Suave House is a place to experience moments and reunite with family and friends in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beach destinations in the world, which serves as the inspiration for our architecture and design.”
Designed to complement the existing nature that surrounds it, the structure of the house is split into two halves, channelling the natural elements through the preservation of the existing trees and allowing water to flow without obstruction. A swimming pool runs through the center of the property towards the ocean in a contoured river design, and raw, unpolished wood makes up the property’s facade. The open design on the beach side enhances the sense of flow, inviting nature in and creating a harmonious indoor-outdoor experience. With conservation a core value, the designers’ innovative approach to design reduces the need for artificial cooling, as the structure of the modular pavilions creates a vacuum, drawing wind through the property for natural ventilation.
Travertine flooring and clay brick bathrooms add to the villa’s rustic charm, and all the materials used are sourced from various local regions, including wood from Honduras, bricks from El Salvador, and glass from Costa Rica and Mexico.
Manifesting a combination of bespoke fixtures and high-end furnishings, the villa is finished with pieces by renowned European brands such as Carl Hansen & Son, Mogg, Andreu World and Gandia Blasco. The bespoke indoor pieces are designed by local artisans and Guatemalan designers, including wash basins made by Salvadorians for a touch of local craftsmanship. Major interior pieces such as the beds and modular sofa are designed by Paula Cabrera Gil of Pepe Cabrera Homes. In addition to the infusion of acclaimed European brands, Al Suave partnered with local artisans and designers for custom furniture and elements across Al Suave House, including dining tables, lamps, sofas and beds by Arivillaga Basile in collaboration with Paula Cabrera; hammocks and clay sinks by 5esencia; nest lamps by Copi; and clay china by Bejuco.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.