El Refugio is a minimal home located in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, designed by Estudio IPA, with interiors by Rivera Zavala Studio. Situated within a vineyard in San Miguel de Allende, the house embraces the landscape through deliberate alignment, material selection, and spatial flow. The structure is oriented along a north-south axis, slightly elevated to capture sweeping views of the vineyard and its surroundings. Spatial planning prioritizes seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas, ensuring consistent visual engagement with the natural setting. Each space, both inside and out, maintains a connection to the vineyard, enhancing the sense of immersion in the landscape.
The home’s low, horizontal profile and restrained exterior design are intentionally understated, allowing the vineyard to remain the focal point. Warm, minimalist interiors reflect this same philosophy, serving as a neutral canvas that supports the environment rather than competing with it. Locally sourced materials reinforce this connection to place. Mezquite wood, Galarza stone, stucco, and quartz are paired with terrazzo finishes to root the home in its regional context. These elements, chosen for their natural tones and textures, enable the structure to blend effortlessly with its environment.
