Rancho Toma Tres

Nestled among boulders, cacti, and elephant trees, this off-the-grid surf retreat responds to a site that is both arid and coastal—hot and dry most of the year, yet subject to corrosive salt air and occasional hurricanes. Constructed of cast-in-place concrete, board-formed on the exterior and smooth within, the house reflects the rugged landscape while ensuring durability. Its southeast orientation allows capture of coastal breezes for passive cooling, and palo de arco screens—woven by local craftsmen—are used on terraces and facades to reduce heat gain and create comfortable microclimates. The ground-level houses services, storage, and lounges that open to the desert floor, while upper living and sleeping spaces are divided into three volumes connected by open-air bridges. Shaded rooftop terraces frame shifting plays of light, expansive horizons, and seasonal whale migrations.

“I particularly like how it blends into the landscape—a very strong landscape that has magnificent views. The architecture creates a place to enjoy this landscape through the different pavilions. I like the idea that it looks like [it was] done by hand. It doesn’t pretend to achieve perfect finishes, but that gives a very strong response.”

—Víctor Legorreta, Hon. FAIA