Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

The Calm – Al Suave House by Cincopatasalgato and Pepe Cabrera Homes

Some houses are built with plans; others are shaped by soul. Al Suave House belongs to the latter — a residence that radiates calm, authenticity, and deep respect for its surroundings.

Set along the wild beach of El Zonte — one of the world’s most celebrated surf destinations — Al Suave House rises as a sensitive interpretation of contemporary luxury. Its name, a common Salvadoran expression meaning “take it easy,” perfectly captures the spirit of the home: a place where time dissolves into the natural sounds and colors of dawn. Every line, texture, and material was chosen to harmonize with the ocean breeze, ancient trees, and the dreams of those who live within it. Developed by Cincopatasalgato, led by José Roberto Paredes, and Pepe Cabrera Homes, directed by Paula Cabrera Gil, this villa is more than a beachfront construction — it is an emotional experience crafted with both sensitivity and skill. The two studios share a common philosophy: architecture as a means to build human and emotional bonds, designed through deep listening and respect for the personal stories of each client.

"When architecture is born from the soul, it needs no embellishment — just the natural path of water and the shadow of trees."

The site, measuring 80 by 20 meters, once served as a hotel parking lot. Today, it has been transformed into a living corridor between the village center and the sea, preserving a rich landscape of palms and a majestic ceiba tree, sacred in Mayan cosmology. Far from being obstacles, these natural elements defined the layout of the house. The organic flow of water and movement of people inspired the placement of the home’s pavilions.

The house is structured in two elongated volumes, separated by a natural pathway shaped by wind, water, and trees. Around this central axis, independent pavilions open to the ocean breeze and expansive views, allowing for constant cross-ventilation and reducing the need for artificial cooling. The result is an introverted, contemplative architecture that gradually opens to the sea as a communal gathering space. Each pavilion reflects the personal dreams of a family member. The design process began with intimate interviews with every household member, including the children, to fully understand their wishes and desires. What emerged is a tropical eclecticism where individual dreams merge into a shared narrative. Available for rent, the home is made for reunion and reflection, featuring five en-suite bedrooms, an open kitchen and living area, a winding pool, beachfront garden, outdoor showers, media room, and a kids’ pavilion.

"At Al Suave House, luxury lies not in objects, but in the experience of dwelling within a space that breathes with you."

One of the most outstanding aspects of the project is its integration with the surrounding environment. Materials such as raw Honduran wood, Salvadoran bricks, and glass from Costa Rica and Mexico form an honest aesthetic that amplifies the home’s local character. Travertine floors and brick bathrooms add a rustic and refreshing quality, while the untreated timber façade seamlessly blends with the landscape. Inside, the residence balances high-end European design with Central American soul. Brands like Carl Hansen & Son, Mogg, Andreu World, and Gandia Blasco contribute a refined, international layer, while local artisans and Guatemalan designers add warmth and meaning. From clay sinks made by Salvadoran hands to beds and modular sofas by Paula Cabrera Gil, every element feels intentional and deeply rooted. Collaboration with regional workshops such as Arivillaga Basile, 5esencia, Copi, and Bejuco enriches the spatial narrative. Dining tables, lighting fixtures, hammocks, handmade sinks, nest-shaped lamps, and clay tableware create a cohesive domestic world steeped in local craft and tradition. These curated pieces are not decorative flourishes — they’re acknowledgments of history, skill, and cultural identity.

Photography plays a fundamental role in capturing and communicating the essence of Al Suave House. Over three wind-swept days, the homeowner (from the U.S.), the architects (from Spain), and the photographer (from Guatemala) gathered to visually narrate the space. The result is more than a series of architectural images — it is a testament to the home’s emotional landscape. The warmth and serenity conveyed in the photographs transcend architecture, inviting viewers from across the world to connect with this corner of Central America.

What distinguishes Al Suave House is not just its visual appeal, but its ability to evoke a complete sensory experience. The sound of waves, the touch of timber, and the shifting natural light are all orchestrated to bring us back to what is essential. This is not merely a coastal destination — it is a spiritual retreat where architecture protects, accompanies, and celebrates life.

In an era when luxury is often equated with excess, Al Suave House offers another vision — one of thoughtful design, local reverence, and the gentle art of dwelling lightly. With this project, Cincopatasalgato and Pepe Cabrera Homes have created not only an exemplary residence, but a manifesto for how architecture should be conceived in the world’s most sensitive and beautiful places.