Al Suave House sits overlooking El Zonte Beach on El Salvador’s coast, where contemporary design meets tropical nature. About forty-five minutes from San Salvador, the house is surrounded black volcanic sand, world-class surfing, and a thriving local community.
Architects José Roberto Paredes (Cincopatasalgato) and Paula Cabrera (Pepe Cabrera Homes) designed this villa as a shared vision that blends luxury living with environmental sustainability and local community rhythms.
The Vision Behind the Design
Set on tree-lined terrain, Al Suave House was shaped not only by its natural surroundings but by the way its owners wanted to live. More pavilion than traditional home, the five-bedroom villa opens fully to the breeze, light, and ocean. The walls disappear, the boundaries blur, and the architecture invites presence.
From the start, the design process centered on lifestyle. Paredes, known for his expressive approach to tropical architecture, and Cabrera worked closely with Mateo (the owner) and his family to translate a feeling into a physical space. Their request was simple but meaningful, a home that didn’t separate them from nature but folded into it. A family-friendly retreat that invited them to be present and enjoy each other.
"We really took our time to speak with the client’s family, including the children, to truly grasp what was important to them," says Paredes. "The result is a unique dwelling that resonates with the spirit of Playa El Zonte—a tropical haven where the essence of community, family, and exploration thrives.
That vision mirrors the character of El Zonte itself—a peaceful beach town where life revolves around the ocean and community.
The Joy of Shared Living
That spirit is not only reflected in the home’s openness, but in its layout. The villa is split into two areas: one for sleeping, one for gathering. Bedrooms are peaceful and private, each with its own garden or ocean view. The shared areas are light-filled and open, anchored by a river-like pool that runs between them, a natural gathering place where kids splash and the adults lounge.
At the heart of the vision was connection across generations, and the home reflects that intention. There’s a treehouse-style kids' pavilion where little ones can play or nap a giant cargo net where conversation stretches easily into afternoon rest.
Even the materials, from local clay brick to warm untreated wood, are designed to make you feel grounded and connected. The home’s palette reflects its commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. The architects drew inspiration from the region’s natural elements, incorporating travertine, handmade brick, and slatted wooden facades that echo the fenced pathways leading to the beach. Generous use of glass bathes the interiors in natural light, while operable walls promote ventilation and reduce the need for air conditioning.
"In true tropical architecture fashion, we wanted to make sure the design interacted with the environment rather than working against it," says Cabrera.
A Space That Breathes
More than anything, Al Suave House is about ease. Its design isn’t just beautiful, it’s functional in a way that brings people together. Operable walls erase the separation between indoors and out, allowing conversations to carry from the kitchen to the garden to the hammocks above. Breezeways link each part of the home, making movement feel natural and unforced.
“[Al Suave House] is a place for families and friends to create memories, to rediscover the joy of being together,” Paredes reflects.
In that way, Al Suave isn’t just a house, it’s a lifestyle. One rooted in presence and connection. And for the family who built it, that's exactly what home was meant to be.
Meet The Architects of Al Suave House
Cincopatasalgato, led by Paredes, is a Salvadorian and Spanish architectural firm renowned for its focus on sustainability, community, and site-responsive design. The firm’s projects often celebrate local materials and artisanal craftsmanship, bringing a sense of authenticity and soul to their work.
Pepe Cabrera Homes, under Cabrera’s leadership, complements this vision with a modern yet human-centered approach to design, ensuring that every space feels both luxurious and welcoming.
