Project: Vale da Lua Cabin
Architecture: Corteo Arquitetos
Lead Architects: Cláudio Righi, Cristhiane Silva, Dariana Tessari
Structure: Elvis Carpeggiani
Location: Pinto Bandeira, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Roberta Gewehr
Nestled atop a mountain in Pinto Bandeira, Rio Grande do Sul, the Vale da Lua Cabin was born from a couple’s dream of creating a serene retreat. With breathtaking views of the Rio das Antas winding through the valley below, this minimalist cabin serves as a tranquil escape. Its design captures the essence of the land, offering a space for sunrise and sunset admiration, moonlit nights, and moments of quiet contemplation.
Blending Architecture with Nature
The primary challenge of the project was preserving the natural beauty of the site. Corteo Arquitetos approached this by crafting a minimalist design that harmonized with the landscape. The cabin integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, complementing rather than overpowering the scenery. Existing features like a large stone and the surrounding trees became central elements, their natural presence celebrated rather than altered. The trees’ canopies filter sunlight, casting ever-changing patterns of light and shadow that enhance the cabin’s atmosphere.
Materials That Speak to the Land
To ensure the cabin felt like an extension of the landscape, the architects chose materials that connected deeply with the natural environment. Concrete, stone, and reclaimed demolition bricks were used, blending modernity with rustic simplicity. These materials, sourced from the client’s collection, add texture and history to the design. Their natural tones echo the hues of the surrounding landscape, grounding the structure in its environment.
The craftsmanship of a local builder brought the vision to life with precision. Every detail, from the stonework to the placement of bricks, was executed with care, ensuring the cabin’s integrity and authenticity.
A Space for Rest and Reflection
Vale da Lua Cabin was designed as a temporary retreat, offering the couple a place to rest while they plan their future home on the same land. The minimalist interior prioritizes comfort and simplicity, allowing the raw beauty of the materials to shine. The space invites moments of stillness, where the rhythm of nature sets the tone.
The cabin doesn’t merely sit within the landscape—it becomes part of it. This integration allows for an immersive experience, where each dawn and dusk feels like a moment frozen in time, and the silence of the night unveils the mysteries of the stars.
A True Haven for the Senses
Vale da Lua Cabin achieves its goal of being a haven of peace and beauty. By mimicking the natural elements of its surroundings, the structure blends seamlessly into the environment, creating a harmonious refuge. In this serene corner of the mountains, the built and the natural coexist effortlessly, offering an escape where time slows down and every moment feels extraordinary.
