Tucked amongst the canopy of the Atlantic Forest, with ocean views stretching out before it, this modern residence appears blissfully isolated from the stresses of society. Designed by Studio Arthur Casas architects, this 947 square-meter residence in Brazil is constructed with natural wood and stone to be in harmony with the natural environment. The house appears to hover above the forest floor, where it grasps better sights. The bedrooms and guest suite are arranged on two sub-levels, while a top-floor balcony offers a spectacular 180-degree panorama. At treetop height, the main social space in the house draws in an open vista but is still wonderfully immersed in vegetation.
The house emerges from the trees, pushing out through the greenery like a seasoned adventurer seeking the view. Glass frontage reveals the luxury guest suite and home office at the base of the building, with other bedroom suites stacked on top.
A green rooftop settles the modern architecture within its lush surroundings. A long swimming pool stretches across the edge of the top floor terrace, putting it front and center with the ocean panorama.
When dipped into the cool pool water, it's easy to imagine being in the wide ocean below. It’s not just a swimming pool but an invigorating and uplifting place to spend sunset and sunrise. Retractable doors adjoin the pool terrace with the main living space, creating one free-flowing connection between indoor and outdoor living.
This luxury home has a living room with a spectacular view. Treetops nibble at the edge of a sweeping ocean panorama, where rocky land masses rise out of the waves like great sea creatures.
A ceiling-mounted modern fireplace descends in the center of the view, adding dramatic flame and comforting warmth to the experience. A wood-clad ceiling builds upon the warm and soothing aesthetic.
Two tufted chairs sit at the back of the living room furniture arrangement, perfectly positioned toward the panorama. Behind them, a row of metal fins, covered in wood, are fixed to the concrete beams of the façade. The fins open up a dense view of the surrounding vegetation.
The base of the modern fireplace appears to teeter weightlessly on one edge, much like the floating effect of the house architecture itself. Track lights move along illuminated tracks in the wooden ceiling, brightly splitting the solid wooden panels.
A unique modern coffee table, designed by Arthur Casas, forms the core of the lounge furniture setup. A glass vase brings tropical leaves into the heart of the home.
A separate snug is fashioned at one end of the main floor, tucked behind another modern fireplace. Nestled behind the tallest treetops, this space has a cozy, intimate atmosphere. A modular sofa draws an L-shaped configuration that’s packed with an assortment of soft cushions. A round coffee table reflects natural light with a smooth glass surface.
Stone walls give the modern home a rustic essence which translates from the facade to the interior.
Back in the main lounge area, a modern staircase descends behind one of the modern sofas.
A thick wooden balustrade divides the staircase and living room arrangement. Rough stone walls provide a textural contradiction to the smooth wood grain.
Sculptural elements dot the wide living space, adding moments of intrigue to the sophisticated setting.
Sun loungers offer the homeowners a place to soak up some rays or to gaze at the stars by night.
At the other end of the swimming pool terrace, modern outdoor chairs are paired with an L-shaped sofa design.
A beautiful live-edge coffee table completes the outdoor furniture ensemble.
Clouds pass dreamily overhead while waves lap the shoreline below.
A live-edge dining table is teamed with modern gray chairs. Unnecessary adornments are kept to a minimum. A simple glass vase brings a flash of greenery to the dining room sideboard.
The white concrete staircase design is atmospherically lit by recessed LEDs. The soft illumination highlights the wonderful texture of the rustic stone walls.
LED perimeter lights thread the length of the hallway on the lower floor, guiding the way to the bedrooms.
The stairwell also gains light from the living room above.
The kitchen is situated on the main floor along with the living room. It is a separate space with a sleek, dark gray palette. The wood-clad ceiling treatment continues in the culinary space, which warmly contrasts the dark cabinets. Light floor tiles lift the scheme.
Large wooden storage closets are constructed in the connective walkway between living spaces.
Bedrooms are cleanly decorated in fresh, neutral tones to promote rest and relaxation. The calm palette allows the spectacular view to take precedence. A rustic wooden headboard brings in a bold slice of forest beauty.
Slivers of forest peep through the wood-clad metal fins that grow 4 meters high around the building.
From the sky, the property appears like a small treasure chest, lost among the forest leaves.
Wellness and relaxation areas are situated in the base layer of the property, including a spa, sauna, and gym.
The material composition is sympathetic to the landscape. The vertical wood-clad fins blend with the towering tree trunks.
Despite its deep immersion in nature, the property is easily accessed by road.
The large pool terrace and social spaces make this house an ideal place for entertaining guests and extended family.