LAB House by Studio Arthur Casas: A Coastal Residence Immersed in the Atlantic Forest

Nestled within the lush landscapes of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, LAB House by Studio Arthur Casas is a remarkable example of contemporary residential architecture that seamlessly integrates with nature. Designed as a coastal retreat, this 947 m² residence redefines the relationship between architecture, landscape, and ocean views, offering an immersive living experience rooted in sustainability, spatial fluidity, and material authenticity.

Architecture that Floats Above Nature

Strategically positioned on a sea-facing plot, LAB House appears to hover above the dense forest canopy. This visual lightness is achieved through an innovative structural system composed of 4-meter-high metal fins clad in wood, supported by an L-shaped metal framework anchored to concrete beams. This architectural gesture creates the illusion of a floating volume while framing uninterrupted panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The house is conceived as a large observatory, where every space is oriented to capture the surrounding natural beauty. Floor-to-ceiling glazing and open terraces enhance transparency, dissolving boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, an essential principle in modern tropical architecture.

Functional Zoning and Spatial Organization

The residence is organized vertically across multiple levels, carefully responding to both privacy and landscape integration. The lower floors accommodate private living areas, including bedrooms designed with expansive windows and balconies that open directly to the forest.

Distributed across two sub-levels:

• The first level houses a guest suite and a home office, ensuring privacy and quiet workspaces.
• The second level contains the main suites, offering intimate connections with the surrounding greenery.

Beneath these levels, wellness-focused amenities such as a spa, sauna, and gym create a retreat-like atmosphere, emphasizing health and relaxation within a natural setting.

Elevated Living Amid the Treetops

The intermediate floor forms the social heart of the house. Positioned at treetop height, it hosts an open-plan living room seamlessly connected to a gourmet kitchen, outdoor terrace, and infinity-edge swimming pool. This level enhances the immersive experience, allowing residents to feel suspended within the forest canopy.

Above, the upper floor features a panoramic balcony with a 180-degree view of the ocean. This elevated platform captures cooling sea breezes while blending them with the freshness of the surrounding vegetation, an example of climate-responsive design that reduces reliance on mechanical systems.

Material Palette and Interior Design

The materiality of LAB House reflects a careful balance between contrast and harmony. Natural stone cladding defines the façade with its irregular texture, creating a tactile dialogue with the dense greenery. Wood elements soften the structure, reinforcing warmth and continuity with the natural environment.

Inside, the interiors are curated with custom-designed furniture by Arthur Casas, including signature pieces such as the Fusca sofa, Quilombo desk, and Square coffee table. These elements contribute to a cohesive design language that merges contemporary aesthetics with artisanal craftsmanship.

Sustainable and Contextual Design Approach

LAB House exemplifies sustainable architecture by prioritizing passive design strategies, natural ventilation, and contextual material use. Its integration into the Atlantic Forest minimizes environmental impact while maximizing visual and spatial connections to nature. The project demonstrates how modern luxury homes can coexist responsibly within sensitive ecological settings.

All photographs are works of  Fernando Guerra | FG+SG