Macieiras House by Mateus Castilho and Patricia Bueno: Nature-Integrated Residential Design in Nova Lima

Located in the serene Ouro Velho Mansões neighborhood of Nova Lima, Brazil, Macieiras House was designed by architects Mateus Castilho and Patricia Bueno in 2021. Covering 280 m², this private residence offers a cozy, practical, and nature-integrated living environment while maintaining proximity to the vibrant center of Belo Horizonte.

Contextual Design in Nova Lima’s Southern Sector

The house responds to the rapid urban growth of Belo Horizonte’s southern sector, which intersects various upscale condominiums in Nova Lima. The family sought a home that combines tranquil living with urban convenience, surrounded by lush landscapes. The site’s location near the preserved Mata do Jambreiro, encompassing both cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes, provides direct access to 912 hectares of rich vegetation, ensuring seamless integration with local fauna and flora.

Site Constraints and Legal Considerations

Two legal restrictions shaped the design. Firstly, a servitude area for a high-voltage Cemig line limited the buildable area to 21 meters from the sidewalk to the start of the non-building strip. Secondly, tree species preservation requirements mandated by the State Environmental Secretariat of Minas Gerais influenced construction zones. These constraints guided the careful placement of the house while prioritizing environmental sensitivity.

Innovative Materiality and Prefabrication

Wood emerged as the primary construction material, balancing construction agility with aesthetic warmth. The second floor uses prefabricated wooden elements, while wooden beams define roof openings, providing rhythm and visual continuity. Beyond its visual appeal, wood acts as a natural thermal insulator, maintaining ideal indoor temperatures throughout the year.

The first floor was constructed in reinforced concrete, while wet areas and the water tank tower combined concrete with masonry block sealing. The main slab employs a precast reinforced concrete system with expanded polystyrene fillings, accelerating construction while minimizing waste.

Architectural Composition and Spatial Planning

The roof design features two large, inclined planes with differing slopes, finished with thermoacoustic trapezoidal tiles. This configuration elevates the social area above the intimate zones, allowing zenithal lighting to illuminate circulation spaces naturally. As a result, the home is consistently well-lit with daylight, enhancing energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Intimate vs. Social Spaces

The house’s design differentiates private and public zones through materiality and facade articulation. Bedrooms and wet areas are strategically enclosed for privacy, while the social area opens fully to the southern portion of the lot. Expansive glazing ensures seamless interaction with the surrounding garden and preserved Atlantic Forest. A 2-meter deep eave shelters a veranda, offering a family gathering space immersed in nature while maintaining solar protection.

Connection to Nature and Surroundings

Macieiras House emphasizes indoor-outdoor integration, maximizing views of native vegetation and providing a calm, restorative environment. Its careful siting respects existing trees and local ecology, reinforcing the architects’ commitment to sustainability and environmental harmony.

Macieiras House exemplifies a thoughtful balance between modern architecture, sustainable design, and nature integration. By combining wood and concrete, differentiating private and social areas, and responding to legal and environmental site constraints, the residence provides a serene, comfortable, and visually engaging living experience close to Belo Horizonte.

All photographs are works of  Ronaldo Melo