- Name: Terra House
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3
- Size: 3,089 sq. ft.
- Built: 2021
The Terra House is a striking testament to the harmonious fusion of architecture and nature nestled amidst the enchanting Serra do Cipó region in Brazil. Approximately 120km from Belo Horizonte, this residence stands as a testament to the profound connection between its inhabitants and the earth and soil beneath their feet. Its unconventional contours gracefully dance around the surrounding trees, embracing the heart of the land with an embrace that reinforces their intrinsic relationship. The plot’s nearly level topography, adorned with resilient mastic trees that transition from leafy canopies in summer to a skeletal elegance in winter, is framed on one side by an expansive protected forest, creating a sanctuary of natural splendor.
Conceived and crafted by a visionary young couple as a weekend retreat, their primary residence in Belo Horizonte served as a departure point, setting the stage for a design centered on disconnection and rejuvenation through an unyielding connection to nature. Upon the initial encounter with this awe-inspiring locale, the imperative of preserving its innate character and fostering an immersive communion with the forest was abundantly clear. A future with no neighbors in sight heightened the importance of maintaining the land’s pristine allure. In response to this profound understanding, the implementation and ethos of Terra House emerged as a resounding affirmation of this commitment.
The inception of Terra House was guided by a profound question: not what to build, but what elements of the land should remain untouched. This paradigm shift in approach led to an ingenious implementation strategy, characterized by a sinuous slab that gracefully meanders through the interstitial spaces between the ancient arboreal guardians. At its heart, the pivotal spaces of conviviality, the kitchen and a shimmering pool unfold, drawing inhabitants and visitors alike into a dynamic dialogue with the verdant surroundings. The master suite, nestled toward the rear, exudes an aura of seclusion, while the guest quarters and living area beckon at the forefront of the plot, each oriented towards a panoramic expanse of the forest. This architectural choreography seeks to heighten the tactile connection with natural elements, exemplified by the open-air beneath the boughs of the canopy resulting in an exquisite interplay of human habitation and the resplendent beauty of the natural world.
- Architect: TETRO Arquitetura
- Photography: Luisa Lage
- Location: Serra do Cipó, Brazil
