TETRO Arquitetura Designs Casa Xingu, A Home Embracing Brazilian Landscape

TETRO Arquitetura has unveiled Casa Xingu, a striking residential project located in Nova Lima, Brazil, that prioritizes a deep connection with its natural environment. The design emerged from a meticulous study of the site, characterized by natural plateaus, existing stone walls, and untouched forest patches. The architecture is conceived to lean into this irregular topography, fostering an open dialogue with the surrounding landscape and establishing a continuous relationship between the dwelling and the mountain.

Sculptural Pillars and Floating Volumes

The primary volume of Casa Xingu is strategically positioned to rest upon the old stone walls, allowing it to “reach for the view and float above the ground.” This elevated design offers expansive vistas of the mountains. The house is organized into three distinct wings, each projecting in a different direction to respond to specific elements of the landscape. The two main suites are situated at the highest point, six meters above the natural ground level, designed as a unified viewpoint overlooking the mountainous terrain.

The remaining wings are integrated into the existing plateau and house the principal living areas, including the living room, guest bedrooms, office, and kitchen. These enclosed spaces are designed to dissolve the boundaries between interior and exterior, opening towards the upper contours of the site. The structural support for this fluid form is provided by six distinctive concrete pillars. These pillars are not merely functional but are conceived as sculptural elements—thick, asymmetrical, and almost monolithic. Rather than concealing the structure, TETRO Arquitetura has made it a prominent feature, with the pillars becoming an intentional presence within the design. Each pillar cleverly incorporates essential functions such as bathrooms and staircases, effectively transforming them into inhabited spaces. The house rests lightly on these concrete sculptures, engaging with the terrain only where necessary.

Integration with Nature and Existing Features

On the lower level, in direct contact with the earth, the leisure area unfolds. This open space seamlessly integrates a pool, bar, and relaxation zones. Notably, an existing underground gallery on the site has been incorporated into the project and repurposed as a wine cellar, creating a direct link between the new construction and the remnants of previous human occupation.

Further enhancing the home’s immersion in nature, the spa is located in a detached volume within the preserved forest. This independent structure is carefully situated among the trees, designed to avoid disrupting the existing vegetation. It houses a sauna, resting rooms, and a gym, offering a private retreat enveloped by the natural environment.

A Dialogue Between Topography and Experience

Casa Xingu is envisioned as a continuous dialogue between topography, structure, and human experience. It is an architecture that utilizes sculptural pillars for support, follows the contours of the terrain, opens itself to the landscape, and allows nature to permeate its voids. The project exemplifies a sensitive approach to site-specific design, where the built form actively engages with and enhances its natural setting.

Key facts

This project highlights how contemporary architecture can thoughtfully respond to challenging natural sites, creating living spaces that are both luxurious and deeply connected to their ecological context. The innovative use of sculptural pillars and the careful consideration of the existing landscape offer valuable insights for architects and designers focused on sustainable and context-aware residential projects.

Source: Amazing Architecture – https://amazingarchitecture.com/houses/casa-xingu-nova-lima-brazil-by-tetro-arquitetura