Weekend abode 'House in Vale das Videiras' embraces its plateaued landscape in Brazil

Brazilian architecture firm Rodrigo Simão Arquitetura has constructed a weekend home for a writer and a plastic artist in Petrópolis, Brazil. Designed as a nature retreat, ‘House in Vale das Videiras’ blends into its landscape, a slightly undulated terrain within existing plateaus and a lake. The home accommodates the possibility of being a permanent residence for the clients, with enough space for guests and larger family gatherings.

The tranquil home is placed at the highest point of the plateau to command excellent views of the surrounding woods and mountains, occupying a generous area of 14.366,93 sqm. Its prime location also maximises on sunlight, keeping the residents warm in the mountain climate.

The single-level house harmoniously flows along the plateau, around the existing trees on the site. An expansive overhanging roof protects the house from moisture. The airy atmosphere of the house brings in sceneries of the encompassing landscape, one that is atypical for its region.

The weekend getaway is divided into three volumes - the pavilion living room, and two adjoining suites that were twisted to fit into the plateau and improve the views. The heart of the project is the open living room featuring dining and cooking spaces and embraced by a front verandah. The verandah is only separated from the living room by aluminium-framed glass panels and recessed railings in the floor, creating a clear visual connection between the indoors and outdoors.

Open to the verandah and the living room, the kitchen extends the joy of cooking and dining to the whole house, with the sink and cooktop overlooking the landscape. Also visually connected to the living room is a home office beside the entrance that sits apart from the three main volumes.  An exposed concrete wall built with handmade wood formwork creates an intimate corner on the other side of the living room for reading, listening to music and watching television.

An art studio for the client was also provided on the site, built over the existing concrete foundation of an old barn, measuring 30,00m x 650m, in the lower part of the lot. Inside, a wide skylit hall contains a kitchen and suite, suggesting that the studio may be used as a guesthouse as well.

The project's guiding idea of ‘blending with nature’ reflects in the pavilion-like shape of the house, the structural slenderness and the low reflective colours of the materials. The wooden floors, ceilings, roof foreheads, the external wall painting in moss green, the exposed metal structure painted in natural iron colour and the black aluminium frames also help integrate the house into its undulating topography.

The warm tones of the interiors and the expansive views out to the lake and the hills form a seamless environment. Nestled in the Atlantic Forest of South America, House in Vale das Videiras' serene environment fills the residents with inspiration.

Project Details

Name: House in Vale das Videiras
Architect: Rodrigo Simão Arquitetura
Location: Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Completion year: 2019
Building area (m²): 495,27m²
Other participants:
Structural Engineering - Concrete Structure: José Luis Peixoto Engenharia
Management / Coordination: Rodrigo Simão Arquitetura / José Luis Peixoto
Engenharia
Foundation Project: José Luis Peixoto Engenharia
Lighting Design: Rodrigo Simão Arquitetura
Interior Design: Rodrigo Simão Arquitetura / Katharina Welper
Landscaping Project: Rodrigo Simão Arquitetura
Hydraulic / Electrical Install Projects: José Luis Peixoto Engenharia

(Text by Ankitha Gattupalli, intern at stirworld.com)