'AK House' by Bernardes Arquitetura

The clients, a couple with three children, purchased two adjacent plots in Angra dos Reis, within the Iate Clube dos Santos. The site, characterized by its steep and uneven topography, presented a significant design challenge: how to integrate a family home harmoniously into such a sloping terrain without disturbing the natural landscape or compromising its connection to the surrounding environment. Bernardes Arquitetura approached the project with a guiding principle of minimal intervention — the goal was to position the house in the most subtle and delicate way possible so that it would blend seamlessly with nature and remain almost invisible from the sea. To achieve this, the architects used a palette of materials that complemented the natural surroundings: corten steel for the structural framework and wood cladding for the exterior surfaces. These materials, with their earthy tones and textures, allow the architecture to age gracefully and merge visually with the lush vegetation and rocky landscape.

The design solution was to organize the residence across three cascading levels, following the slope of the terrain. This arrangement not only preserved the existing trees and natural features but also maximized usable flat areas for the family to enjoy outdoor living spaces.

The first, or arrival, level serves as the main social hub of the house. It features an open-plan living area with a gourmet kitchen, a cozy dining space centered around a round table, and a group of iconic Moles armchairs that invite relaxation. This floor opens to the largest terrace of the house, furnished with sun loungers and a linear swimming pool that runs along the side of the building, establishing a direct dialogue with the sea and the surrounding forest. The edge of this terrace creates a sense of continuity between interior and exterior spaces, blurring the boundaries and emphasizing the home’s integration with its natural setting.

The second floor, slightly recessed from the one below, offers a completely unobstructed view of the horizon. This level houses the main living room, dining area, master suite, and service areas. The positioning of this floor gives it a sense of floating above the canopy, with expansive glass panels that frame views of the ocean and bring abundant natural light inside. Structurally, the first-floor pool required significant reinforcement. To maintain the lightness and elegance of the design, the architects devised an inclined beam that visually conceals the pool’s double-depth structure while simultaneously increasing the ceiling height of the second floor, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.

The third and uppermost floor accommodates the children’s and guest bedrooms, along with a small pantry and a cozy home theater. Each room was designed to enjoy privacy and panoramic views while remaining in close contact with the natural surroundings. Despite the home’s complexity and the technical challenges of building on a steep slope, the result is a structure that feels effortless and serene — one that sits lightly on the land rather than imposing itself upon it.

The clients entrusted the architects with complete creative freedom to define the spatial program and propose solutions tailored to the site’s unique conditions. The outcome is a residence that exemplifies the essence of contemporary tropical architecture: respectful of nature, visually unobtrusive, and deeply connected to its landscape, offering an ideal retreat for family life in harmony with the sea and the mountains.