Located atop a hill and facing a beach, Playa Zicatela, the design of Casa Zicatela arose from the idea of fleeing Mexico City and quitting the habits and routines of big cities for a place of peace and quiet, to rest and enjoy proximity to the Pacific.

Though the building stands so close to the sea, it takes the character of a conventional house in the inland country. On one side lies the ocean and on the other the mountains and agave fields. This duality of the natural environment is what determined the configuration of the residence, the typology of which is decidedly less that of the usual beach house than that of a traditional house in the countryside. Externally the dwelling comes across as a fortress of concrete organized around a garden which every room gives onto. A perimetral corridor connects the spaces. At the center are the shared zones, namely the living room, dining room, and kitchen, which spill out to the courtyard, blurring the lines between interior and exterior. The tiers surrounding the garden lead to a second level, where one can enjoy views of the landscape around.