- Project: Café House
- Architect: TETRO Arquitetura
- Location: Brazil
- Year: 2023
- Area: 257 m2
- Photography: Luisa Lage
In the heart of Brazil’s cerrado, Café House by TETRO Arquitetura stands as a striking fusion of architecture, culture, and landscape. Completed in 2023, the residence spans 257 m² and is conceived as a poetic reflection of both its natural surroundings and the cultural significance of coffee in Brazilian life.
Rooted in Place and Culture
Café House embraces the cerrado’s defining elements: red earth, twisted tree trunks, and wide horizons. Coffee—an emblem of Brazilian hospitality and conversation—became the conceptual foundation for the project. The architects translated its essence into a symbolic architectural language, asking: How can the sensory qualities of coffee—its earthiness, aroma, and lightness—be expressed in built form?
The answer lies in the home’s bold contrasts:
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Earth: Thick pigmented concrete walls anchor the house to the ground, embodying solidity and permanence.
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Air: Two delicate white slabs curve above the structure, appearing to float as if weightless, symbolizing the aroma and lightness of coffee.
This interplay of mass and levity creates a residence that feels both grounded and ethereal.
Spatial Composition
The house is divided into two main volumes: one social, the other intimate. Movement between them takes place through a corridor framed by earthen walls, heightening the sense of transition between communal and private realms.
Inside, the open layout encourages natural light and cross-ventilation, while strategic openings frame views of the untouched cerrado landscape. The interiors maintain a minimalist palette, emphasizing the dialogue between architecture and nature.
Integration With Nature
Respect for the site shaped every design decision. The natural terrain was preserved, native trees left standing, and a stepped garden introduced to weave greenery between built volumes. The result is a home where architecture and landscape coexist seamlessly, ensuring a living environment rooted in authenticity and ecological respect.
Architecture as Poetic Experience
Café House goes beyond functionality. Through its symbolic gestures, it offers residents a poetic connection to the land and culture. The architecture reflects identity, memory, and belonging—proving that a house can be more than a structure; it can be a narrative.
