Ocaso House: A Collaborative Coastal Retreat in Chelem, Mexico
Three friends design a shared residence balancing communal living with individual privacy needs.
1Coastal Architectural Concept
Located in the coastal town of Chelem, Yucatán, Casa Ocaso represents a unique residential project completed in 2025. The design emerged from the specific requirement of three friends who sought to share a single property while maintaining distinct personal privacy. The structure spans a total area of 324 square meters.
2Collaborative Design Approach
The project was a joint effort between JE arquitectos and architect Leo Alvarez. The design team included Carlos Isaac Suárez Rodriguez, Diana Areli Herrera Molina, and Diego Elí Lizama Durán. Their combined expertise addressed the challenges of building on a coastline that is described by the architects as constantly transforming.
3Structural and Technical Execution
General construction for the residence was managed by EECON Build and Design Engineering Consulting. The structural integrity of the house was handled by the firm Estructurando, ensuring the building could withstand the local environmental conditions. Landscape architecture was integrated into the design process by Leo Álvarez to complement the coastal setting.
4Material and Spatial Planning
The house utilizes specific materials sourced from manufacturer José Luis García to define its aesthetic and functional character. While the exact material specifications remain categorized under general residential standards, the layout focuses on the intersection of shared communal spaces and private zones, reflecting the owners' original intent for the home.
5Environmental Contextual Challenges
Chelem is characterized by its dynamic coastal geography, which heavily influenced the design strategies employed by the architects. By acknowledging the shifting nature of the shoreline, the team prioritized a resilient structural framework. This approach ensures that the 324-square-meter residence remains stable despite the ongoing environmental changes in the Yucatán region.
6Privacy in Shared Living
A central challenge of the Ocaso House project was balancing the social needs of three residents with the necessity for private living quarters. The floor plan was meticulously organized to allow for interaction in common areas while providing secluded spaces for each individual, effectively solving the primary design brief provided by clients.
7Professional Project Documentation
The project was officially documented through photography by Jasson Rodríguez, capturing the final built form in 2025. These images serve as the primary record of the architectural achievement. The project was subsequently published in November 2026, highlighting its relevance within contemporary residential architecture and its contribution to the regional Mexican landscape.
8Significance of Residential Collaboration
Casa Ocaso stands as a notable example of modern residential architecture that prioritizes social dynamics alongside environmental adaptation. By successfully navigating the complexities of shared ownership and coastal instability, the project demonstrates how professional design can resolve interpersonal requirements. It remains a reference for future residential developments in the Yucatán peninsula.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Ocaso House: A Collaborative Coastal Retreat in Chelem, Mexico