Al Suave House, a beachfront house with tropical flair in a mecca for Salvadoran surfers

Architects José Roberto Paredes, founder of Cinco patas al gato, and Paula Cabrera Gil, of Pepe Cabrera Homes, have worked together on the transformation of this house, located in the El Zonte resort (El Salvador) one of the world’s surfing meccas and with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, enhancing both local materials and the natural environment.

The design of the house, with its privileged location, makes the most of its narrow plot and along its perimeter a meandering river-shaped pool divides the structure in half, creating a waterway leading to the ocean. The architects were inspired by the fenced paths leading to the beach to create this design, which responds to nature and is made of untreated wood.

The wooden structure of the house includes elements of concrete, local timber from Honduras, bricks from El Salvador and glass from Costa Rica and Mexico. Travertine floors and clay baths add texture to the spacious interiors.

The house’s attic volumes look towards this central element which, in the purest style of tropical architecture, allows the natural breeze to filter through unhindered, eliminating the need for air conditioning.

The house, which sleeps 12 people, has bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, an open kitchen and living room, a swimming pool and a garden with direct access to the beach, as well as a multimedia room and a space for the children. “We took our time to talk to every member of the family, including the children, to really understand what was important to them” says Paredes.

The movable walls on the ground floor open up completely, forming a perfect connection between the indoor areas and the outdoor courtyards, the rock gardens and the waves of the sea breaking in the distance.

The interiors are a mix of pieces from top European brands, such as Carl Hansen & Søn and Gandia Blasco, and custom-made furniture. The latter include hammocks and earthenware basins by local brand Quinta Esencia Studio, earthenware tableware by Bejuco, as well as dining tables, lamps, sofas and beds by Guatemala City-based studio Arrivillaga Basile in collaboration with Pepe Cabrera Home.

Project: Al Suave House.
Architecture: José Roberto Paredes, Paula Cabrera Gil.
Location:Complejo turístico El Zonte (El Salvador).
Completed: 2023.

José Roberto Paredes

He comes from a family of architects and leads his architecture studio Cinco patas al gato, which he founded 30 years ago with the aim of breaking with stereotypes. Today he enjoys recognition, but after years of struggling against the tide. His projects are located in different parts of the world and all of them connect with human stories.

Integration is the word that best defines his architectural style. With a clear attitude towards space as an area for the development of life, he proposes housing structures that go back to the origins of humanity and to understanding the house as the territory for the growth of the family.

Influenced by great architects such as Le Corbusier, he recognises and admires contemporary creators such as Toyo Ito, Frank Ghery and Shujei Endo. “What I enjoy most is understanding the people I design for. Paredes currently lives in Valencia and works on projects in different parts of the world.

Paula Cabrera Gil

Paula Cabrera is an architect from the Universidad Politècnica de València, together with her brother Nacho, she runs the family business Pepe Cabrera, a team of professionals dedicated to carrying out architectural projects with their own character, with studios in Denia and Valencia. Its main headquarters in Denia, integrates in more than 3.000 m2: architecture and interior design studio, showroom, furniture exhibition, art gallery and a gastronomic space.

Project by José Roberto Paredes