Situated in a mountainous region with a tropical highland climate, the site lies at an elevation of 900 meters in the so-called "upper city" of Juiz de Fora.
After recontouring the topography of this peri-urban gated community lot, the resulting fill platform acts as a suspended garden overlooking the adjacent native Atlantic Forest. Consequently, the elevated backyard now enjoys views of the treetops along the property's 24-meter rear boundary.
The house sits on this newly constructed ground level, positioned 3.5 meters below the street and 6.5 meters above the forest.
Due to the trapezoidal shape of the plot, the pavilion is positioned closer to the eastern side, reserving the opposite side for a garden that widens toward the forest.
Sited in this way, the house—despite having two stories—remains discreet from the street while staying closely connected to its backyard.
Access is provided via the garage, which functions as a covered plaza. From there, a walkway guides the path and, alongside an external ramp and internal staircase, organizes the house's layout.
The living areas on the upper floor are set back from the street by the void of the covered garden, where the ramp leading visitors to the social spaces is located.
The construction seeks not to conceal any of its stages. It features a modular steel structure (3.6m x 3.6m), with enclosures and slabs made of light-gauge galvanized steel profiles, finished with exposed cement board and drywall. In addition to the prefabricated elements, reclaimed wood was strategically applied over the beams to form ramps, walkways, and platforms—offering spaces in both sun and shade.
Movable elements were designed to adjust the home's atmosphere: a retractable roof over the covered garden and four sun-shading panels on the west facade, allowing the space to transform in response to changing weather conditions.
Team:
Architects: Márcio Flávio Motta
Architecture Team: Lucca Brigatto, Bernardo Barcellos, and Arqliq
Structural Engineering: Limonge Engenharia (Steel) and Paulo Scafuto (Concrete)
Landscaping: Arqliq
Photography: Andre Miguel Coronha
