terracotta tinted walls adorn this hilltop weekend home in brazil by bernardes arquitetura

brazil-based studio bernardes arquitetura designed casa terra, a weekend home for a couple with two children in the thriving itaipava area in rio de janeiro, brazil. the 1,000 square meter property contains 5 bedroom suites and a range of living and leisure spaces and is situated in an area where many wealthy residents of brazil have holiday homes.

images by leonardo finotti

bernardes arquitetura wanted to create a single-story construction that lands seemingly smooth on the ground due to the volumetric composition generated by the difference between the horizontal and vertical planes. the dwelling overlooks the best views of the neighboring countryside due to its location on top of a hill and landscaped gardens connect it with nature around.

images by leonardo finotti

the building is situated on top of a hill to ensure its living areas enjoy the best views of the surrounding countryside. landscaped gardens step down the hillside to connect the house with nature beyond. walls made from pigmented concrete dominate this house making it stand out in the middle of the green mountain. the architects carefully chose the reddish color and wanted it to match the color of the local earth.

images by leonardo finotti

the house arises from the layering of the parallel terracotta walls that are perpendicular to the central circulation axis. this articulation generates spaces that define residential functions and creates patios that open to the main garden. large glass panels that dilute the visual boundaries between the house and the landscape form the closure between the vertical walls and horizontal slabs and floor planes. the route along the central circulation reveals a succession of openings and closures while offering constant visual contact with the exterior.

images by leonardo finotti

project info:

name: terra house

architecture and interior design: bernardes arquitetura

team: thiago bernardes (creative director), camila tariki, francisco abreu, fabiana porto, daniel vannucchi, josé miguel ferreira, thiago moretti, ilana daylac, renata evaristo, antonia bernardes, fernanda lopes

location: itaipava, rio de janeiro, brazil

built area: 1,000 sqm (10763.9 sqft)

site area: 30,940 sqm

photography: leonardo finotti

acoustic: roberto thompson motta

air conditioning: argen

automation: noise construction company: ph de aquino

electrical and hydraulic installations: equilíbrio planejamento e projetos

wood structural design: ita construtora

concrete structural design: ycom engenharia

landscape architecture: daniela infante

lighting design: studio iluz (architecture) / lightworks (landscape)

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: yasmina karam | designboom