Piscina del Cielo: A Sculptural Retreat Above the Sea by Danielle Rios Design Studio
High above the cliffs of Punta Garrobo, where the coastline of Zihuatanejo seems to dissolve into the horizon, Piscina del Cielo offers more than a view, it offers a perspective. Framed by bold architectural lines and softened by interiors that speak in the language of craftsmanship and comfort, this residence balances presence with restraint, drama with quiet elegance.
Designed by Zozaya Arquitectos, the structure makes a striking architectural statement: cantilevered terraces and monumental concrete forms engaging directly with the rugged topography. But it is within these bold lines that Danielle Rios Design Studio (DRDS) composed a more intimate narrative, one shaped by natural materials, local artistry, and the subtle rhythms of daily life.
“Our approach wasn’t about overpowering the landscape, it was about creating spaces that feel connected to it” says Danielle Rios, founder and principal of the studio. “Every detail was meant to honor the setting and support a life well lived.”
From the moment of arrival, the architecture sets a measured tone, confident yet unforced. The DRDS sculptural entry doors introduce a residence where each space is revealed with quiet intention, guided by natural light, layered textures, and a focus on material authenticity.
Beneath the soaring palapa roof, the great room invites easy conversation and lingering afternoons. Curved sofas from the Danielle Rios Home Couture (DRHC) “Coastal” collection introduce sculptural softness to the space, upholstered in fabrics chosen as much for their durability as their understated elegance.
Parota wood, native to the region, brings warmth and visual continuity to the interiors, framing doorways, anchoring built-in furnishings, and lending a sense of timelessness to each space. Cool stone floors underfoot reinforce a connection to the land, while handwoven light fixtures, evoking the form of traditional fishing nets, cast gentle patterns across walls and ceilings.
The bedrooms continue this language of quiet luxury. Natural light filters through sheer curtains, warming muted tones and layered textiles. Sliding doors open onto private terraces, blurring the lines between interior and exterior life and offering uninterrupted views of the coastline.
At the heart of the home, the cantilevered pool extends 120 feet above the ocean, a feat of engineering that feels almost weightless. A glass inset at its center—created by the same Construction Director behind the Grand Canyon Skywalk—provides a clear view down to the cliffs and waves below, a reminder of both the power and serenity of the surrounding landscape.
Throughout, the interiors express Danielle Rios’ commitment to thoughtful, lasting design. Indigenous hardwoods bring a natural warmth to the architecture, while stone pulled from the site itself returns as sculptural detail, subtly rooting the home in its own landscape. In the open-air atrium, a mosaic wall, conceived by Rios as both art and architecture, layers local stone with vibrant pebbles sourced from Indonesia, adding texture and a distinct sense of place.
With Piscina del Cielo, Danielle Rios Design Studio delivers more than a visual statement; it shapes a way of living; one defined by clarity, quiet refinement, and a seamless connection to the natural world.
Interior Design: Danielle Rios Design Studio Architecture: Zozaya Arquitectos Photography: Alex Krotkov Photography
