Located at an altitude of 4,920 feet (1,500 m), overlooking vast, green valleys, the Catuçaba House in Brazil creates a harmonious connection between man-built and nature-made.
The 3,326 sq ft (309 sqm) insulated timber construction is supported by pillars and appears to be floating above the rural setting, as its base doesn’t directly touch the ground. Inside, there are three bedrooms with bathrooms, a living space with kitchen, and an office, all featuring flooring comprised of clay bricks made from local soil. Huge double windows allow sunlight to get in, while providing natural ventilation and keeping the warmth inside during the colder months. A wooden flat roof topped with photovoltaic panels (and vegetation) makes the house more energy-efficient and helps it integrate with the surroundings.
The real kickers however, are the two large, linear terraces that run along the north and southern ends, offering arresting views of the unspoiled, undulating landscape below. [via]
