Project: Bosque House
Architecture: Nó Arquitetura
Lead Architects: Achilles Barino Cortes, Thaynara Lameirinhas Faria
Structural Project: SINHOROTO Projetos e Consultoria em Engenharia Estrutural
Location: Juiz de Fora, Brazil
Area: 4844 ft²
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: André Miguel Coronha
Bosque House stands as a beacon of modernity amidst the rugged beauty of the Minas Gerais hills in Brazil, perched atop the city’s highest point. Its design, akin to a metallic spyglass, delicately interacts with the surrounding landscape, offering a compact yet refined residential space.
The architectural concept revolves around minimal intervention, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with the lush local nature. Rather than imposing itself upon the land, the house gracefully adapts to its contours, creating a seamless integration with the environment. Comprising two concrete platforms and an elevated bar, interspersed with voids, greenery, and natural light, the residence epitomizes modernist sensibilities.
Spanning three levels, the ground floor serves as an open-air garage and entry square, while the first floor floats above it, hosting communal areas like the living room, kitchen, and spacious suites. The lower level houses utility spaces such as the laundry, gym, and office, as well as a relaxing gazebo with a bathtub, nestled amidst the trees.
A restrained yet effective material palette defines the design, featuring concrete, natural stones, steel, glass, and brick. Notably, the brick cladding on the main facade employs an unconventional pattern, ensuring both privacy and visual intrigue.
Amidst the verdant surroundings, stone paths wind through the landscape, leading to a cozy brazier—a focal point for gathering and warmth during cooler months. In the summer, it transforms into a barbecue area, inviting residents to cook over open flames and enjoy al fresco dining.
Bosque House is not merely a dwelling but a testament to thoughtful design, with its interplay of structure, materiality, and space creating a serene and captivating living environment.
