When discussing the dynamic landscape of heritage Danish design brands, Vipp emerges as a versatile frontrunner. Founded in the late 1930s, the company initially gained prominence through its innovative pedal trash bins and has since expanded beyond its initial scope. Embracing a necessity-driven innovation mindset, Vipp has ventured into various design spheres, including office furniture and modular kitchens. A distinctive aspect of Vipp’s evolution is its development of guesthouses, creating immersive environments that reflect the brand’s philosophy of craftsmanship, longevity, and versatility.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Pablo Pérez Palacio
Location: Todos Santos, Mexico
Interior Designer: Julie Cloos Mølsgaard
Company: Vipp
Co-owner: Sofie Christensen Egelund
The newest addition to Vipp’s portfolio is the Vipp Todos Santos Guesthouse in Todos Santos, Mexico. This guesthouse exemplifies the brand’s commitment to offering holistic experiences through architecture and design. The 3,800 square foot property features five bedrooms and a design that seamlessly integrates with the tropical desert surroundings along the Baja California Peninsula coast. Pablo Pérez Palacio of Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados (PPAA) was chosen to spearhead the design, drawing upon the area’s diverse topographies and cultural influences to create a building that respects local traditions while establishing its own architectural identity.
The Vipp Todos Santos Guesthouse captures the spirit of tropical modernism with a nod to vernacular architecture. It is a thoughtfully structured residence that nestles into the site’s natural grade and is organized around a central courtyard and covered patio. This elevated plinth provides sweeping views of unspoiled nature and the coastline, embodying the harmony between structure and landscape. PPAA describes the house as a “dynamic interplay of strategically placed volumes and stepped exterior stairways,” offering a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
The home, programmed across three levels, includes intimate ensuite bedrooms and a minimal amount of indoor entertainment spaces, highlighting the emphasis on outdoor living. The Vipp kitchen demonstrates the brand’s signature design ethos, extending into the dining area that transitions fluidly to outdoor spaces. Key in the construction are rammed-earth walls, reflecting both local building practices and sustainable intentions. This technique, paired with breezeways and non-monolithic massing, naturally cools the interiors, maintaining comfortable temperatures throughout the year despite the desert climate.
Integral to the guesthouse’s interior design is the collaboration between PPAA, Vipp’s co-owner Sofie Christensen Egelund, and Julie Cloos Mølsgaard, a Copenhagen-based interior designer. The serene interior palette comprises natural tones and textured finishes, enhanced by locally sourced craft works such as woven textiles and ceramics. Vipp’s signature anodized aluminum V3 Kitchen anchors the open-concept living area, demonstrating the brand’s dedication to integrity and longevity across all of its products.
As Vipp’s first endeavor in North America, the Todos Santos Guesthouse represents a significant milestone in the company’s global journey. From a single pedal bin designed in 1939 to the development of a diverse range of products and guesthouses, Vipp has continually expanded its design narrative. This guesthouse not only exemplifies Vipp’s passion for design but also underscores a shared appreciation with its collaborators for architecture that harmoniously frames its natural environment. The Todos Santos Guesthouse stands as a testament to Vipp’s innovative spirit, offering guests an exquisite setting for an indoor-outdoor vacation experience.
