Casa Eclipse – Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Title
Casa Eclipse – Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Website Source
Designed by
Zozaya Arquitectos
Image Credit
© César Belio
Project Description
Project description provided by Zozaya Arquitectos - Located in the beach of Playa Blanca in Zihuatanejo, Casa Eclipse is a residence that originates from contemporary architecture while incorporating vernacular elements and materials within a design that maintains a constant dialogue with its coastal surroundings. Conceived as a composition of three structures, the residence is situated on a privileged site, where the seamless integration between interior and exterior defines the spatial experience.
The main volume is developed across two levels, organized around a central feature: a helical staircase that not only articulates circulation but also functions as a sculptural element within the project. Visible from the entrance through an arch and a cylinder, the staircase is crowned by a radial dome that regulates the entry of light. This dome creates dynamic lighting effects that, by projecting a ring of light onto the floor, evoke the image of a solar eclipse—thus giving the house its name. This interplay of elements becomes the visual core of the project.
On the ground floor, spaces flow freely, eliminating visual barriers to enhance the connection with the landscape. A large social area houses the living room, dining room, and kitchen, all of which open towards the façade that frames the ocean. This level is complemented by a study, a half-bathroom, and a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, providing flexibility in its use. On the upper level, three bedrooms enjoy panoramic ocean views through expansive windows, while a corridor with louvers on the façade filters light and reinforces privacy in the access area.
Accompanying the main residence, two secondary structures complete the architectural program: a service house and a laundry module with a mechanical room. The latter is concealed behind a stone wall with a cascading water feature, which not only guides visitors to the entrance but also provides a sensory experience for those entering the complex.
The approach to the house is framed by a spacious front garden, while a covered parking area—built with a concrete structure and a wooden pergola with "huesito de coco"—reinforces the integration of the project with local techniques and materials. At the rear, a swimming pool with a barbecue area and a pergola-covered terrace on a wooden deck create a space designed for relaxation and social gatherings.
The project materializes through a concrete structure, emphasizing the honesty of its construction, evident in the use of exposed board-formed concrete and ribbed concrete, developed through multiple on-site experiments. In contrast, the warmth of the spaces is defined by sand-toned chukum-finish walls, both indoors and outdoors, as well as the use of wood and select matte black steel elements that enhance the sense of lightness and allow for large openings in the social areas.
The project embraces an architectural language rooted in formal simplicity, elegance, coastal contextualization, and material honesty. Its main façade, located on the eastern side, is enclosed and robust, ensuring privacy and mitigating the impact of the coastal climate. In contrast, the western façade fully opens to the beach views, establishing a strong connection with the outdoors and allowing the landscape to become an integral part of the spatial experience.
Casa Eclipse is a retreat where architecture and nature intertwine, creating a space that evokes a sense of tranquility and appreciation for details—a harmonious balance with its surroundings.
