The Danish company Vipp, renowned for its pedal bins and bathroom and kitchen designs, has long been making waves with its stylish guesthouses. Their latest venture: the rammed-earth constructed Vipp Todos Santos in Mexico, seamlessly fusing Scandinavian minimalism with Mexican tradition.
One might say this house offers a “cool-warm” impression at first glance—positively so. It’s filled with contrasts that coalesce into an intriguing whole: the new Vipp Todos Santos guesthouse captivates with a combination of cool Scandinavian and quintessentially Mexican design traditions. Built from rammed earth and adorned with carefully selected details, this extraordinary piece of architecture invites relaxed lingering—with views of the Pacific and surrounded by a rugged cactus wonderland.
The Extravagant “Number 10”
Vipp‘s tenth guesthouse is located in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, specifically in Todos Santos, one of the “Magical Towns” known for their distinctive and well-preserved character.
Designed by renowned architect Pablo Pérez Palacios and his Mexico City-based studio PPAA, this gem stands out from Vipp’s previous hotel and guesthouse projects, which are all located in Europe. The construction of Vipp Todos Santos adheres to Mexican customs and local conditions.
Comfort in Earth
Following traditional local building techniques, the refuge was created using natural materials from the surrounding area. The rammed-earth construction is perfectly adapted to the local climate. Its thick, compressed earth walls provide natural insulation at night and keep the interior cool during the day. These robust, raw walls define both the exterior and interior of the 350-square-meter building.
Vipp Todos Santos comprises a main building, two interconnected guesthouses, five bedrooms, and a covered courtyard. A circular rooftop pool serves as a heavenly oasis, offering expansive views of the sea and horizon. The covered terrace is designed as the social hub of the house and can be used year-round, celebrating the region’s typical lifestyle where social gatherings are often enjoyed outdoors. Strategically placed volumes and exterior staircases support this goal.
“Todos Santos offers a unique blend of topography, history, and influences. We wanted to respect these traditions while creating our own architectural language—one that harmoniously integrates with the surrounding landscape.”
Architekt Pablo Pérez Palacios
Large windows provide unobstructed views of the sea and virtually bring nature indoors. However, excessive sunlight is kept at bay. Shutters woven from branches of the local Palo de Arco tree offer protection and create delicate shadow plays within the rooms.
This is just one detail of the thoughtfully designed interior, crafted by an international team of professionals. Architect Pérez Palacios collaborated closely with Sofie Christensen Egelund, Vipp’s third-generation co-owner based in the U.S., and Vipp employee and interior designer Julie Cloos Mølsgaard from Copenhagen.
Local Craftsmanship & Star Design
Soft natural tones and textures give the refuge a pleasantly tranquil ambiance. Every element of the house was chosen to complement the minimal material palette of earth, wood, and concrete. Custom-made furniture and design pieces play a significant role, alongside local craftsmanship and weaving techniques, art, textiles, and ceramics from the region. All these elements are skillfully combined: in the Vipp Todos Santos guesthouse, Scandinavian minimalism meets Mexican flair.
The open living area features the state-of-the-art Vipp V3 kitchen made of anodized aluminum. Its sculptural silhouette with extruded fronts and a smooth stainless-steel countertop contrasts with the warm rammed-earth walls, creating a distinctive look. Beyond the kitchen, Vipp’s furniture, lighting, bathroom elements, and outdoor collections complement this unique aesthetic.
Vipp Todos Santos Seating
Naturally, the opening of the new guesthouse includes a special edition that matches the destination’s design: the Vipp swivel chair is now available in a vibrant jacquard fabric by Pierre Frey. The fabric was chosen for its bold colors and rich textures, reflecting Mexico’s vibrant spirit. The graphic Bayadère stripes stand out brilliantly against the industrial aluminum frame of the sought-after seat.
Those familiar with Mexico know that the location of the new opening is special: situated on the coast of the Mexican Baja California peninsula between the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range and the Pacific, Todos Santos has long been a haven for artists and creatives.
Creative Hotspot
Historical charm and diverse cultural influences harmoniously coexist here. Architecture enthusiasts appreciate the mix of colonial and modern buildings, which—like the new guesthouse—pay environmentally friendly tribute to the region’s construction methods. Adventurers from around the world visit to enjoy activities on pristine beaches, from surfing, diving, and whale watching to hiking or horseback riding. Additionally, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Todos Santos, located about an hour’s drive from San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD), captivates with its unique landscape.
A vacation at the new Vipp Todos Santos refuge isn’t exactly a bargain: available since November 2024, it costs a hefty $2,500 per night. However, simply drawing inspiration from exceptional design and equally extraordinary ideas costs nothing. In this regard, the innovative Danes’ products and projects have always had much to offer—from the legendary pedal bin that once established the company’s success to the now tenth, remarkable guesthouse.
Text: Elisabeth Schneyder
Bilder: Vipp