This Modern House Sits On Top Of Stilts In The Forest

June 12, 2023
A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.

Architects Carlos Maia, Débora Mendes, and Igor Macedo of Tetro have designed a new home in Nova Lima, Brazil, that’s immersed in lush Atlantic Rainforest nature that includes large leafy trees, foliage, shrubs, birds, and wild animals.

A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.
A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.
A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.

The house, white in color and with a unique shape, rises above the ground, while animal and plant life develops underneath.

A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.
A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.

Large windows and sliding glass walls are key to the design of the home, providing views from every room.

A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.
A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.
A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.

The house sits atop randomly placed black pillars that blend in with the tree trunks, allowing the home that appears to float.

A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.
A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.
A modern house with a white exterior sits atop black stilts in the rainforest of Nova Lima, Brazil.

Red spiral stairs connect the various levels. A large wooden deck expands the living space of the home.

A modern house with a large wooden deck.

Inside, the angular design is highlighted by lighting and window shapes, while the living, dining, and kitchen all share the same open space.

Inside this modern home, the angular design is highlighted by lighting and window shapes, while the living, dining, and kitchen all share the same open space.
Inside this modern home, the angular design is highlighted by lighting and window shapes, while the living, dining, and kitchen all share the same open space.
A modern sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Both the bedroom and bathroom have uninterrupted views of the trees through their floor-to-ceiling windows.

A modern bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows.
A modern bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Here’s a look at the floor plans and section drawings of the home.

The floor plan of a modern house on stilts.
The floor plan of a modern house on stilts.
The floor plan of a modern house on stilts.
The section drawings of a modern house on stilts.
Photographer: Jomar Braganca | Architecture Firm: Tetro | Responsible Architects: Carlos Maia, Debora Mendes and Igor Macedo | Contributors: Laura Georgia Rodrigues Layoun, Otavio, Daniele Meloni, Deborah Martins | Concrete structural project: MV Estruturas | Construction: Engecapo