Calm House by Mateus Monteiro: A Serene Retreat Blending Concrete, Nature, and Family Heritage in Brazil

Located in the heart of Lavras, Brazil, Calm House by architect Mateus Monteiro is a 460 m² contemporary residence designed as a tranquil summer retreat with the potential to become a permanent family home. The project was commissioned by a mining engineer with a deep appreciation for minimalist architecture and the raw beauty of concrete—an aesthetic that drives the visual and material language of the entire design.

Minimalist Concrete Design Rooted in Family and Tradition

The Calm House reflects the emotional depth of its design process, as the client is also the architect’s brother. This close relationship resulted in a highly personalized and intimate architectural narrative. The house fuses brutalist design elements with natural materials, integrating familial and regional references throughout the interior.

The use of exposed concrete for the flooring and ceiling in the living areas is softened by slatted wood panels, bringing warmth and textural contrast. The entrance hall sets the tone with curated photography of Ouro Preto, the couple’s favorite city, alongside iconic Brazilian design elements like the Mole Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues. These touches add a deep cultural and emotional resonance to the home.

Nature-Integrated Living

A defining element of Calm House is its seamless integration with nature. A lush, carefully curated garden surrounds the home, with special attention given to the kitchen, which is enveloped by greenery—an intentional move that supports the client’s desire for a biophilic lifestyle.

Landscape designer Flávia D’Urso crafted the outdoor spaces to complement the architecture, with every window and corridor designed to offer unobstructed views of the garden. French doors in the private areas recall traditional Minas Gerais style, further blending local heritage with modern design sensibilities.

The master suite features a standout custom soapstone bathtub, while soapstone—used widely throughout the house—also defines the facade, pool, and other architectural features. The use of jets-brushed soapstone evokes traditional Brazilian craftsmanship while contributing to the tactile richness of the home.

Outdoor Living and Entertaining

The pool area, entirely clad in soapstone, serves as a central hub for relaxation and entertainment. Surrounded by layered landscaping, it leads down to a barbecue zone with a built-in fireplace, further reinforcing the home’s role as a space for gathering and family life. The outdoor staircase is lined with handmade ceramic vases, adding artisan flair and grounding the house in Brazilian design culture.

Sustainable Comfort Through Lighting and Materials

The design employs sustainable principles through its natural materials, passive cooling, and a specialized lighting design that enhances the raw beauty of concrete and stone textures. The thoughtful integration of light supports the overall goal of creating a calming, contemplative space that feels deeply connected to both nature and personal history.

Calm House: Where Architecture Meets Emotion

Calm House is more than just a summer home—it is a soulful expression of family, nature, and heritage. With its bold use of concrete, rich landscaping, and cultural storytelling, the house stands as a model for modern Brazilian residential architecture, offering a harmonious balance between minimalism, regional identity, and emotional design.

All the photographs are works of Favaro Jr.