Vila Castela

Architect: Anastasia Arquitectos

Location: Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Photography: Jomar Bragança

Because of good local weather, this Brazilian house needs no heating and can be oriented toward the woods. This allows a greater sense of privacy for enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. The house is nearly 23 ft. (7 m) below the street and has three floors: a basement, a first floor with a pool, and an upper floor for the bedrooms. The house is constructed from concrete.

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The house is painted terracotta, which makes it easier to maintain an unblemished façade given that the local gravel contains a pink powder.

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The relaxation area is entirely underneath the porch. The only uncovered part is the pool, wedged into the area closest to the drop; the pool thus contrasts with the green background.