Walking on the Moon

Designed by Guilherme Torres, Studio Guilherme Torres

From the architects:

Located in the middle of the Atlantic Forest in São Paulo state, this home reflects simple lines and imposing volumes. 

Escapism as a mantra

Far from the big city, the country house has escapism as its mantra: every detail brings a relaxing atmosphere, where residents can disconnect and enjoy nature in its purest and simplest form.   

The project's conception started with a large block, which evolved volumetrically and was fragmented, filling the entire plot of land. 

The five large white cubic blocks that mark the project were then created – each an independently functioning suite. 

Thus, the privacy and comfort of the family, consisting of a young couple with two teenage children, are preserved.

Rammed earth construction

A large wall made of rammed earth, constructed with sand and earth from the site itself, surrounds the entire house and also takes part in the structure. 

This millennial technique creates a unique identity, for there is nothing like it anywhere in the world, both in terms of aesthetics – the colouring and spacing of the layers – and in size. 

To make this method possible, due to the size and proportion of the construction, high quality adhesives were used to increase the strength and durability of the material.

Substituting concrete for raw wood

The house is made entirely of CLT (Cross Laminated Timber), which is wood planks interlaced and pressed at high temperature and pressure. 

This forms the slab and all the structural parts of the project, substituting concrete for raw wood.

The living room preaches the concept of total integration, with a dining and living room separated by a large multifunctional counter, its surface coated in flamed granite. 

In the briefing, the owners asked for a television room. 

Sunken ciné

In response, a sunken room was created with a large masonry sofa, where futons were positioned inside the core. 

And best of all, the space is 100% open and unveils completely to the outside area, while on rainy days, all the built-in awnings lower and enclose the whole ambience.

The furniture design is another feature. 

The big stars are the Supernova table, in a special and exclusive edition made of washed freijó (Brazilian wood) combined with the Orbe Chair, both pieces of furniture from the Orbe line signed by Guilherme Torres. 

We chose handcrafted artwork, made by indigenous people, to create unique compositions, matching the project's raw colours and materials, such as rustic wood, earthen bricks, and beam-less structural block walls.   

The leisure area has a sauna, a spa, and a pool on three levels complete with a beautiful waterfall – all with open views of the beautiful nature that surrounds the house. 

Moonscape

One of the great highlights is the floor, made with basalt shards – the predominant stone in the Moon's soil – which cover the entire perimeter of the project. 

Really, walking through the corridors of this house is like floating on lunar soil – the feeling of calmness, far from all civilisation, is very similar.

The country house's idea is to live a more organic, playful and healthy life, but we did not forget about sustainability. 

Sustainability

The project runs on photovoltaic energy, and the beautiful ponds scattered throughout the grounds are not simply ornamental, they are also rainwater retardant ponds. 

In other words, all the water used is reused.

Story by: Trendsideas