Casa Açucena : A White Flower in the Middle of A Forest

The Nova Lima region in Minas Gerais, which has a steep slope topography, is where Casa Açucena was built. Within the lush Atlantic Rainforest with large leafy trees and shrubs, TETRO Arquitetura designed this house as a self-affirmation of the architecture itself while maintaining the characteristics of the surrounding nature.

Casa Açucena is located in the middle of a lush forest in the Nova Lima region of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

From the start, the architect had understood that the site of this project was so sensitive that it required special handling of the terrain. Therefore, the concept adopted for this project is the act of looking up which encourages the building mass to be raised to fifteen meters above ground level. The concept seems to invite everyone who is on the site to preserve the habit of looking up at the sky through the canopy of tall trees. Thus, at the same time, they will also see and enjoy this house from below.

Because of its color, Casa Açucena is like a white flower in the midst of nature.

The mass of the house is placed on a site with a steep slope.

However, the presence of Casa Açucena in the middle of the forest is expected to be able to form its identity as an architecture that does not offend the balance of nature as much as possible. The architect then decided to apply the notion that architecture must shape the terrain, as a starting point for the design process. With a design that soars above the ground, this house not only occupies the space between the trees but also provides living space for the animals and plants below. No trees were cut and the topography changed, indicating that this project ended with a perfect harmony of art and nature.

The view of Casa Açucena from below.

There is plenty of space at Casa Açucena where you can enjoy the treetop views.

Semi-outdoor space in Casa Açucena.

Since no decision is made based on the tastes or will of the architect alone, the final result can be a good response to the design concept. Dressed in white, Casa Açucena can surprise those who are visiting its site. In addition, randomly arranged black pillars as support for buildings, implying an attempt to merge with the surrounding trees. The house, which looks floating, also has a fluid plan that is the result of program work among the trees. Finally, through the opening and folding feature, residents in the house can still enjoy the view of the treetops. Thus, Casa Açucena can present itself as a white flower in the midst of nature, which is full of artistic values such as surprise and novelty.

The interior of Casa Açucena.

Ground floor plan.

First-floor plan.

Second-floor plan.