Araucárias House: A Harmonious Mountain Retreat by Alexandra Lima Demenighi and Rodrigo Vargas Souza

Nestled within the serene Araucaria forests of Serra Catarinense in Rio Rufino, Brazil, the Araucárias House stands as a refined architectural response to the southern Brazilian highlands’ cold and temperate climate. Designed by Alexandra Lima Demenighi and Rodrigo Vargas Souza, the 150-square-meter residence beautifully merges functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics into a cohesive mountain retreat.

An Architecture Inspired by Literary Virtues

Drawing conceptual inspiration from Italo Calvino’s six virtues of literature—lightness, speed, exactitude, visibility, multiplicity, and consistency—the architects translated these values into the spatial and material language of the home. These guiding principles are visible in every detail, from the light-filled interiors to the precise placement of the house on the forested slope.

Strategic Design for Climate and Contemplation

Positioned aerodynamically atop a gentle hill, the house consists of two distinct volumes. Each features a sloped roof that leans inward toward a central transparent atrium, which serves as the visual and functional heart of the home. This glass-filled void connects the private and social areas, allowing light to flood the interior and offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.

The east façade, fully glazed, opens up to a large wooden deck with a built-in fire pit overlooking a vast valley. On the west side, generous openings enable natural cross-ventilation and facilitate passive solar heating, especially in the private wing. Even the suite’s bathtub is strategically placed to face the densest part of the forest, offering a spa-like experience immersed in nature.

Material Palette: A Dialogue Between Warmth and Strength

The material choices reflect a deep sensitivity to the region’s climatic conditions and a strong ecological consciousness. Wood—sourced from sustainably managed forests—is the dominant material, used both structurally and aesthetically. The Light Wood Frame system enabled efficient construction with minimal site disturbance, using prefabricated panels for faster, less invasive assembly.

Externally, the house is clad in black metal roofing with thermal insulation, a shield against the mountain chill. Inside, exposed concrete, glass, and wooden paneling combine to create a warm, modern interior atmosphere. The floors transition from burnt cement in the communal spaces to wooden planks in the private quarters, enhancing both comfort and visual harmony.

Sustainability in Every Element

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the project. A reinforced concrete fireplace, grill, and wood stove provide both functional and atmospheric warmth. Ingeniously, the wood stove contains a coil system that heats the water for the suite, embodying a smart integration of mechanical systems with architectural form.

All Photographs are works of Mauro Goulart