Completed in 2020 by Singaporean writer and designer Prashant Ashoka, Casa Etérea is a 75-square-meter off-grid retreat built on the slopes of Palo Huérfano, an extinct volcano near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. With no formal background in architecture, Ashoka conceived the minimalist, mirrored dwelling as a "theater to nature" that prioritizes a sensory connection with the rugged, volcanic landscape. The project took three years to complete and was heavily inspired by the "emotional architecture" of Mexican architect Luis Barragán. The name Etérea, Spanish for "ethereal," reflects the home's weightless, camouflaged appearance. The design is based on a concept of radical integration with the environment. The cabin consists of two rectilinear volumes that meet at a 120-degree angle, mirroring a ravine visible through the exposed shower. The exterior is clad in mirrored glass, featuring a patterned ultraviolet coating that prevents birds from colliding with the surface while remaining invisible to the human eye. To minimize its footprint and construction impact, the foundation was built from volcanic rock collected on-site. The property is completely off-grid, relying on solar panels for electricity and a rainwater collection system for water. This self-sufficiency allows for a fully immersive, secluded experience. The interior is a single, open-plan space with a minimal and natural material palette of concrete, timber, jute, and leather, which prevents it from distracting from the views. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide open to connect the living area, bedroom, and copper bathtub with a decked patio, heated pool, and the encompassing olive and pomegranate trees. Remote-controlled PVC shutters offer privacy and security. The isolated location, only accessible by 4x4, reinforces the sense of disconnection from urban life. Credits Designer: Prashant Ashoka Interior Styling: NAMUH Photography: Prashant Ashoka Client: Prashant Ashoka