Above the shoreline of Lake Atitlán in central Guatemala, however, a unique architectural design immediately catches the eye. Susan Marie Tabush, along with her husband Daniel Galvez Tabush and her son Sergio Galvez Thompson, offers an example of how contemporary construction techniques and modernist design can create a functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing home. 

Designing for Beauty and Functionality

Daniel and Sergio are architects. They work together at their Guatemalan-based architectural studio Estudio Creativo. Their work focuses on the “sensory community between the designed space, the client and the user.” 

In 2010, they began work on what was initially intended to be a vacation home for their family. As the design process progressed, the beautiful plot of land on the south shore of Lake Atitlán eventually came to house three separate living spaces surrounded by beautiful gardens landscaped with native plants. 

Local, Yet Modern

The three towering volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan, have contributed to the area’s geology and topography over the eons. Volcanic rock is prominent. The Stabush family wanted to incorporate this beautiful rock as part of the construction. 

When pouring the concrete for the walls, wooden forms were used. Instead of adding a final plaster layer, Sergio and Daniel decided to leave the wood grain impregnated on the molten concrete. This “unfinished” aesthetic adds a touch of natural beauty to the modernist construction. 

A 1955 Waggoner Willis Jeep was also remodeled into a unique cabin, “Sleep in a Jeep,” that the family has listed on Airbnb. According to the family’s listing, “The Waggoner Willis Jeep was the most famous family and service vehicle in history and an icon of the vehicular era,” and is part of a family project “to recycle iconic and famous cars.” Bright red, the jeep has views to the lake, and it’s a private dock. The interior is lined with cypress wood. Surrounding the “Jeep-cabin” is a small kitchenette, bathroom, and fire pit to complete the livable vacation alternative. 

Between the three living spaces, a shared garden acts as a natural connector. Volcanic rock stairs and platforms, interspersed with lush tropical vegetation, and stunning views of the lake make for an idyllic setting. Hammocks are placed around the garden area to invite relaxation and deepen a sense of connection to the place.