Monocle House by Alan Chu: A Unique Architectural Experience in the Brazilian Cerrado

An Architectural Masterpiece Suspended Above Nature

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Alto Paraíso de Goiás, the Monocle House by renowned architect Alan Chu is a striking fusion of contemporary design and environmental sensitivity. Built in 2023, this 78m² elevated retreat is a prime example of how modern architecture can harmonize with its natural surroundings while offering an unforgettable living experience.

A Design Inspired by Optics and Nature

Set in the Eldorado neighborhood, a fast-growing urban expansion area within Chapada dos Veadeiros, the Monocle House is a bold response to its unique environment. Despite being near the city's urban core, the site remains enveloped in the pristine Cerrado vegetation, making ecological preservation a key aspect of the project.

The house is elevated 5 meters above ground, supported by 12 slender metal pillars, allowing the natural landscape to remain undisturbed. This elevation not only protects the native flora and topography but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sunrise over the mountains.

A Trapezoidal Form Inspired by a Monocular Lens

The Monocle House takes its name and concept from an old-fashioned photographic monocular, a small trapezoidal device used to view images through a magnifying lens. This influence is reflected in the home's distinct geometric form, where one end acts as a viewfinder to the landscape, immersing inhabitants in the vast beauty of the surrounding forest.

Despite its compact footprint (40m² interior and 38m² deck area), the exaggerated proportions of its windows and spatial arrangement create a sense of expansiveness, enhancing the experience of living in close connection with nature.

An Immersive Journey from Entrance to View

The approach to the house is a carefully designed architectural journey. A winding staircase ascends through the dense greenery, leading to an elevated deck at 4.5 meters high, where the ceiling soars at 3 meters.

Upon entry, visitors are guided around a central enclosed volume housing the home's infrastructure. This brief moment of suspense culminates in a dramatic reveal—a 6.5m x 4.3m panoramic opening that doesn’t just frame the view but invites the entire landscape into the living space, creating a profound sensory experience.

Designed for Airbnb: An Unforgettable Stay

Commissioned as a high-end Airbnb rental, the Monocle House was designed to provide a one-of-a-kind guest experience. The client’s vision was clear: to create a striking architectural statement that not only blends with its environment but also offers visitors an immersive connection with nature.

This project embodies time, journey, scale, and emotion, fostering a dialogue between human presence and the wilderness. It transforms a simple stay into a memorable exploration of ascent and dissolution, perspective and immersion.

Photography & Recognition

The project is beautifully documented by acclaimed architectural photographer Joana França, capturing its play of light, structure, and natural surroundings.

All Photographs are works of Joana França