In the northern part of Mérida, Mexico, Eclipse House by Etea and Ghostframe begins with an unusual ambition. The homeowners envisioned a sculptural residence open to nature, filled with vegetation, and shaped by forms inspired by surrealism. The result is a home that feels both mysterious and inviting, revealing itself gradually through movement and exploration.
From the outset, the existing trees on the site became an important part of the design. Instead of clearing the landscape, the architects integrated the mature vegetation into the layout, allowing architecture and garden spaces to coexist. This relationship between built form and nature becomes one of the defining characteristics of the project.
The experience begins at the zaguán, an entry passage that introduces visitors to the home’s unique spatial sequence. Beyond this threshold lies the gallery, the central gathering space of the residence. This dramatic double-height volume serves as the social heart of the house, accommodating entertainment, dining, and everyday activities.
The kitchen sits within this expansive room, while a staircase rises toward a mezzanine level above. Service functions are discreetly positioned behind the kitchen and beneath the mezzanine, keeping the primary space open and visually uncluttered.
As visitors move through the gallery, one architectural feature immediately captures attention. A large circular window forms the visual center of the home. Its importance extends beyond aesthetics. The window aligns perfectly with a second circular opening carved through the swimming pool outside. Together, these two geometric elements create the defining gesture of the project and inspire its name, Eclipse House.
This powerful alignment establishes the main organizing axis of the residence. Extending outward from this point are the swimming pool and a covered terrace, creating a strong visual connection between interior and exterior spaces. The effect is both dramatic and playful, encouraging occupants to experience the house from different perspectives.
The home’s private spaces are accessed through two distinct circulation routes, each offering a different architectural experience. One path, known as the promenade, leads toward the primary bedroom. This covered walkway is distinguished by a repeating series of arches that guide movement while creating a memorable sequence of light, shadow, and framed views.
The material palette remains intentionally restrained throughout the project. White cement flooring, smooth white walls, and white-painted metalwork establish a monochromatic backdrop that allows other elements to take center stage. Against these clean surfaces, the surrounding vegetation becomes especially vibrant, introducing layers of texture and color throughout the property.
By combining surreal inspiration, bold circular forms, dramatic arches, and a minimalist material palette, Etea and Ghostframe have created a residence that offers far more than shelter. Eclipse House turns the act of moving through a home into an experience filled with surprise, beauty, and visual intrigue, making it one of the most distinctive contemporary residences in Mérida.
The Design Concept
Architectural Plans
