Brazilian architecture firm mf+arquitetos introduce a contemporary form to a remote forest site. Set within generous grounds, their Lake House project creates direct references to its natural surroundings through connecting views and materiality.
Located in Uberlandia, in southeastern Brazil, Lake House by mf+arquitetos seamlessly blurs the boundaries between inside and out through a strong sense of linear geometry. The home’s location is imperative to the design narrative, informing the integral views of the landscape.
The internal crazy paving floor blends with the landscape.
The Exterior
The external form reflects a unique solitary element anchored in place by weighted materials. The entrance contrasts solid materiality and transparent glazing; the entry glazing creates partial vistas of the landscape beyond and encourages a sense of intrigue. Comparatively, on the opposite side of the house, there is a subtle feeling of lightness where the form slightly cantilevers above the ground.
Scale and Proportion
Through careful balance, mf+arquitetos have created a sense of cohesion between form, materiality and proportion. This enables the home to feel responsive to its context and a human scale. For example, ceiling heights create a strong sense of internal privacy and frame views towards the landscape.
Full-height glazing is at the centre of the living space and extends views towards the lake and pool. Two weighted stone volumes sit either side of the living space and tuck into the concrete geometry above.
The Interiors
The design sees the interiors mediate between immersive and expansive in nature as you move through the shared and private zones. Light filters through the interiors through operable facade elements and full-height glazing, dancing across the grounding timber, concrete and stone palette at different times of the day.
The Palette
mf+arquitetos have deliberately selected a restricted natural palette throughout. Natural stone has been utilised as a transitional material to blur the boundaries between the internal and external spaces, allowing a seamless flow. Equally, stone has been used on the living room walls to compliment the brutality of the crazy paving floor and the concrete ceilings. In contrast, the timber used throughout softens the internal spaces and contrasts with the textured concrete ceilings.
The Lake House achieves timeless contemporary relevance through a sense of balance and connection to context.
Timber softens the stone interiors.
