Layered Light and Red Stucco Surfaces in Boutique Mexican Hotel

In the historic centre of San José del Cabo, Laiva Plaza Hotel by RA! introduces a considered approach to hospitality design that is closely attuned to its urban context.

GALLERY

Developed by Grupo Laiva, the boutique hotel is conceived as an extension of the city, weaving public life into a layered architectural composition.

The project is defined by a series of interwoven walls that carve out patios and terraces across multiple levels. These elements play a critical role in regulating light, airflow and privacy, while also establishing a rhythm that responds to the surrounding built fabric. The building steps back progressively as it rises, maintaining a scale that aligns with neighbouring structures and avoiding visual disruption within the historic streetscape.

A defining feature is the red-toned stucco façade, applied in layered planes that create depth and shadow. This approach draws on the delicate patterns of papel picado, reinterpreted through a contemporary architectural language. The handcrafted finish reinforces a tactile quality, grounding the building in local material traditions while offering a sense of permanence.

At street level, permeability is prioritised over enclosure. The structure is set back to form a shaded atrium that acts as a transitional threshold between the public realm and the hotel interior. This open base encourages movement and interaction, allowing air and light to filter through while maintaining a strong connection to the pedestrian network. Entry is experienced as a passage rather than a singular point, continuing the flow of the surrounding streets.

Above, guest rooms are arranged across two levels, providing a more private setting while retaining visual links to the city. The building culminates in a rooftop garden that brings guests together in a shared space overlooking the historic centre. Here, the architecture shifts towards openness, offering expansive views and a sense of retreat.

Rather than presenting as a self-contained object, Laiva Plaza Hotel positions itself as part of the urban fabric. Through careful modulation of form, material and space, RA! has created a project that allows the everyday life of the city to move through it, shaping both experience and identity.

Images by Oscar Hernández via Designboom