As a universal symbol of eternity, unity and perfection, the circle has no beginning and no end. It alludes to cycles of life and time, the cosmos, religious and esoteric traditions, and architecture and design itself, when the theme is harmony and infinity. In the house that Fernanda Canales designed for Valle de Bravo, Mexico, the circle is also the shape of one of the three volumes that compose it. The 720 Degrees house is a geometric and optical marvel, which combines the function of housing with the distinctive feature of doubling the 360-degree range of normal vision.

Its design revolves around the central courtyard and the interaction between the interior and exterior worlds, conceived as a sundial that marks the passage of time. This detached house is many houses in one: during the day, it frames a mountain and a volcano, opening up to different views along the circular perimeter; at night, it turns inwards, around a central courtyard. The project extends between the main circular house, an independent studio/guest room and a rectangular volume with a courtyard that houses additional bedrooms, storage spaces and services. The separation into volumes is a response to the steep topography of the site and the desire to preserve the existing vegetation.

Designed for two families, the house unfolds over two levels – at ground level and on an open terrace on the roof – and integrates spaces for extended family and guests. Looking at it from the outside, one could hardly imagine that inside the rooms are rectangular, as are the bathrooms, closets and kitchen. The curved walls promote circulation and extend into terraces leading to the patio and gardens outside.