The project, by the Tetro office, proposed a social area that is very open to the landscape, while the private areas were reserved on the side of a grove.
In a mountainous region near Brumadinho (MG), the architects Carlos Maia, Débora Mendes, and Igor Macedo, from the Tetro office, sought inspiration in the lush — and almost untouched — landscape of the place to compose this 350 m² refuge, affectionately nicknamed Casa Seriema, in reference to the birds that usually perch there.
The project began with a study of the land, which has a slight slope and reveals, on one side, a wide and open view of the mountains; and, on the other, a wooded area full of vegetation.
In this way, the architects envisioned the creation of a two-story residence: a basement with access to the garage, and a main floor—where they explored all their creative freedom with an architectural design that highlights a sinuous wall clad in black Portuguese stone.
This structure has a primary function: to divide the project into two areas with distinct purposes. The first is the social wing (with living room, kitchen, and dining room), facing the mountains and designed for entertaining. The second is the private space, oriented towards a wooded area, which evokes the owners' desire for contemplation and rest.
Another striking aspect of Tetro's design is the material palette. In addition to the black Portuguese stone, they also covered the floor of the entire upper level with the same material in a white version—creating a striking contrast. Although it doesn't steal the spotlight from the stones, the project also incorporates concrete structures, including the spiral staircase that connects the two floors.
