{"id":8808,"date":"2026-05-23T17:00:33","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T17:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/?p=8808"},"modified":"2026-05-29T15:18:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T15:18:44","slug":"mixed-use-building-by-barde-vanvoltt-reflects-slower-rhythm-of-baja-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/index.php\/2026\/05\/23\/mixed-use-building-by-barde-vanvoltt-reflects-slower-rhythm-of-baja-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Mixed-use building by Barde vanVoltt reflects “slower rhythm” of Baja California"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Estero<\/div>\n

Dutch design studio Barde vanVoltt<\/a> has completed a building in San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo, Mexico<\/a>, which includes a chukum-lined community cafe at street level and residences above.<\/span><\/p>\n

The boutique Estero development by Oeste Works<\/a> includes the ground-level Gamba cafe and three floors, each containing two residences.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Estero boutique development includes a community cafe and six residences above<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Barde vanVoltt<\/a> shaped the architectural and spatial identity of the project, working in close collaboration with construction partner Arquipartners<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“The architecture is defined by a sculptural composition of horizontal volumes and vertical columns, with rounded balconies and deep overhangs that create a soft interplay of light and shadow throughout the day,” said Barde vanVoltt.<\/p>\n

\"Building
Barde vanVoltt created an architectural rhythm through the columns an balconies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Throughout the project, the primary materials include yellow-tinted chukum plaster, which “reflects the desert light beautifully during the day and creates a soft, calm atmosphere throughout the interiors”, according to studio co-founder Val\u00e9rie Boerma.<\/p>\n

This is paired with rosa morada, a wood variety typical of the region. “<\/p>\n

Compared to oak, it has a warmer and more sun-kissed appearance that feels naturally connected to Cabo,” Boerma continued.<\/p>\n

\"A
A courtyard formed by the L-shaped plan provides an outdoor seating area for the cafe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Together, these materials create a sense of warmth and quietness that feels aligned with the slower rhythm and outdoor lifestyle of Baja California Sur,” she added.<\/p>\n

The L-shaped structure abuts the street at the end of its longer wing, forming a courtyard space in the building’s crook that’s used as an outdoor seating area for the cafe.<\/p>\n

\"Glass
Glass panels pivot open to allow for the circulation of people and fresh air<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This sheltered nook is surrounded by raised planters behind built-in benches, accompanied by circular metal cafe tables and minimalist chairs.<\/p>\n

Vertical glass panels pivot open to allow access to the exterior and air to flow through the interior’s central seating space.<\/p>\n

\"Cafe
Chukum plaster and rosa morada wood are applied throughout the interiors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here, a central double-sided banquette with black-upholstered cushions creates a row of two-top tables on either side.<\/p>\n

A bar area with further seating is located in front of the central kitchen, and a lounge at the back is tucked behind a wood and glass partition beside a surfboard rack.<\/p>\n

\"The
The front of the cafe includes a bar area and further seating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“We developed custom sofas, tables, shelving systems, beds and kitchen elements to create a cohesive architectural language throughout the project,” said Boerma.<\/p>\n

Upstairs, the residences each occupy a wing of the L, while the building’s staircase is located in the corner of the intersection.<\/p>\n

\"Custom-designed
Much of the furniture was custom-designed for the project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Studio apartments at the front have balconies that face the street, while the two-bedroom homes are set back and overlook the courtyard.<\/p>\n

“The interiors of the residences follow the same design language as Gamba cafe,” said Boerma.<\/p>\n

“We translated the architectural rhythm of the building into the interiors through custom furniture, soft curves and a restrained material palette.”<\/p>\n