Architecture studios Módica Ledezma and JJRR Arquitectura teamed up to create Iyari, a striking tiered residence perched on a steep cliff in Nayarit, Mexico. The 564-square-meter (6,070-square-foot) home serves as both a living space and a structural retaining wall, seamlessly blending into the landscape.
The design focuses on openness and uninterrupted ocean views. Inverted concrete roofs extend toward the sea, creating a dramatic architectural form. The architects prioritized a minimal impact on the surroundings while maximizing the sensory connection to the coastline.
A Three-Tiered Structure Responding to the Terrain
The house features three levels, each with terraces framing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Top Level – This entrance level includes a garage and four symmetrical bedroom suites. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a shared terrace. The roof slopes downward at the back, creating a compressed entry and bathroom space while expanding toward the sea.
- Middle Level – The central floor serves as the main living area, housing the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. A deep overhang extends the open-concept design and provides shade for the pool deck.
- Lower Level – This private section, mostly embedded in the cliffside, holds the primary suite. A secluded terrace offers direct ocean views.
Each level connects via staircases along the hillside, reinforcing the home’s integration with the terrain.
Structural Innovation and Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
The home’s butterfly-shaped roof enhances openness. Angled supports lift from the ground, guiding views outward. Large glass walls blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor areas, creating a seamless living experience.
Extensive use of concrete grounds the structure, while surrounding vegetation softens its presence. The design allows the home to blend naturally into its environment rather than dominate it.
Módica Ledezma and JJRR Arquitectura previously explored similar geometric principles in a rural equestrian center in Valle de Bravo, Mexico. With Iyari, they continue to push architectural boundaries, crafting a residence that harmonizes with both land and sea.