Modern home with wooden facade and large glass windows, featuring a cantilevered design in a grassy area.

A modern home with a wooden facade, large glass windows, and a cantilevered design set in a grassy landscape.

Story

A modern Brazilian retreat that blends bold architecture with serene landscapes. Set amidst the rolling terrain of Itu, Brazil, Casa Themis by Sergio Sampaio Archi + Tectônica emerges as a weekend sanctuary designed for familial gatherings and outdoor leisure. The residence is anchored by a gracefully curved stone platform that respects the natural slope of the land, offering both a visual and physical foundation that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment. The house is defined by its striking material contrast, where a robust stone base supports a lighter, L-shaped structure clad in vertical wooden slats. This juxtaposition of materials—stone, wood, glass, and steel—imbues the home with a contemporary yet warm aesthetic, harmonizing with its countryside setting. A key architectural feature is the dramatic five-meter cantilever of the main living room, which projects boldly over the landscape, creating a sensation of floating above the natural contours. This structural feat is made possible by a lightweight steel framework, which also supports sustainable elements like solar panels, ensuring the home operates efficiently without compromising its sleek form. The outdoor platform, an extension of the home's architecture, houses a swimming pool, sun deck, and fire pit, all oriented towards the property's most captivating views. This design fosters a resort-like atmosphere, encouraging social interaction while maintaining privacy with strategically placed stone walls. Inside, open-plan living spaces flow effortlessly towards the outdoor areas, with full-height glazing maximizing natural light and views. The interior palette of natural finishes complements the exterior, creating a cohesive environment that supports both large gatherings and intimate family moments.

Design Highlights

Curved stone platform integrates with the natural slope Dramatic cantilevered living room with expansive views Sustainable design with integrated solar panels Seamless indoor-outdoor connection with full-height glazing Resort-like outdoor platform with pool and leisure areas

Key Facts

Feature Detail
Location Itu, Brazil
Architect Sergio Sampaio Archi + Tectônica
Structural Engineer Uniao Tecnica Estrut Metal
Civil Engineer JHMA Construcoes
Key Materials Stone, wood, steel, glass
Completion Year 2023

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior: The exterior features vertical wooden slats and a stone base, providing a warm and natural appearance.
  • Interior: The interior includes natural finishes with a focus on open, connected environments.

Materials

  • Stone — Used for the base platform and walls, providing visual anchoring and privacy.
  • Wood — Used for vertical slats on the facade and interior finishes.
  • Glass — Large windows and openings to connect interior spaces with the outdoors.
  • Steel — Used in the structural system with beams and columns.
  • Aerated Concrete — Used for block walls to improve thermal and acoustic insulation.

Construction / Systems

  • Structural: Steel beams and columns combined with aerated concrete block walls.
  • Facade: Vertical wooden slats and large glass windows.

Products

  • Sustainable Systems — Solar Panels (Installed on the roof to improve energy efficiency.)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: natural wood tones, stone gray
  • Lighting: Natural light through large glass windows.

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