- Project: Stone House
- Architect: Architectare
- Location: Brazil, Itaipava
- Year: 2019
- Area: 509 m2
- Photography: Leonardo Finotti
Perched on the hillsides of Itaipava in Brazil’s mountainous region, Stone House by Architectare balances traditional inspiration with contemporary practicality. Designed for an elderly couple seeking a streamlined vacation retreat, the residence prioritizes ease of maintenance, security, and comfort while embracing the natural slope of its site.
Architecture Rooted in Practicality
The couple, having sold their previous vacation home, wanted a dwelling that felt like a secure apartment, allowing them to simply lock the door and leave without concern. This request led to a highly functional plan: all primary living spaces—including the master suite, social areas, and service rooms—are located on the ground floor, ensuring accessibility and minimizing daily effort. Guest bedrooms were placed upstairs, reserved for visiting family and future flexibility.
Elevated Design and Landscape Integration
The house is set on a small platform that defines the entrance and positions the main volume partially suspended over the sloping terrain. This clever siting maximizes views and creates a striking presence on the hillside. A large deck with an infinity-edge pool extends from the front, maintaining a sense of openness and leisure despite the compact program.
Stone, Light, and Provence Inspiration
Visually, the residence draws inspiration from Provence architecture, expressed through its rigid stone façade that anchors the building to the landscape. Yet, within this solidity, Architectare introduced playfulness and light. A misaligned mezzanine form adjusts ceiling heights and leads to a glazed balcony, ensuring natural light permeates the interiors throughout the day. This subtle choreography of light and shadow adds a dynamic quality to the otherwise solid stone shell.
A Home of Balance and Restraint
Stone House embodies a balance of restraint and warmth: a stone-clad exterior that conveys permanence and protection, contrasted with light-filled interiors that celebrate transparency and movement. Architectare’s design reflects both the practical needs of an aging couple and their desire for a serene retreat deeply rooted in its hillside context.
