TA Residence by Anastasia Arquitetos: A Contemporary Hillside House Integrated with Brazil’s Rugged Terrain

A Hillside Residence Shaped by Topography in Nova Lima, Brazil

TA Residence is a contemporary private house designed by Anastasia Arquitetos in Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, Brazil, completed in 2023. Conceived as an architectural response to a challenging hillside site, the project demonstrates how careful volumetric control, sectional design, and environmental strategies can transform steep terrain into an asset rather than a limitation. Led by architect Tomás Anastasia, the residence occupies approximately 15,069 square feet, balancing spatial generosity with a discreet presence in the landscape.

Located on land with slopes of 30% longitudinally and 20% transversely, the project adopts a stepped configuration that follows the natural topography. Instead of leveling the site through extensive excavation, the house descends gradually along the slope, reducing earth movement, minimizing retaining structures, and preserving the natural character of the terrain. This strategy results in a low, horizontal volumetric composition that visually merges with its surroundings.

Discreet Horizontal Architecture and Landscape Integration

The architectural concept is defined by horizontal planes and layered volumes that echo the contours of the site. By embedding the structure into the hillside, TA Residence avoids imposing itself on the landscape, opting instead for an architecture that feels grounded and restrained. This approach enhances visual continuity between the built form and the natural environment, reinforcing a sense of permanence and calm.

Landscaping plays a crucial role in mediating between architecture and site. Vegetation is used strategically to soften the built edges, contribute to microclimatic comfort, and ensure visual privacy from neighboring properties. The result is a house that feels both protected and open, simultaneously sheltered and expansive.

Orientation, Views, and Environmental Comfort

The orientation of TA Residence is carefully calibrated to maximize views while maintaining privacy. The primary openings are directed toward the southeastern mountain landscape, allowing interior spaces to engage directly with the surrounding natural scenery. Secondary openings face east toward lower neighboring buildings, ensuring unobstructed sightlines and controlled visual exposure.

On the northwest-facing street façade, copper brise-soleil elements are integrated into the window frames. These shading devices reduce solar heat gain, improve thermal comfort, and add a refined material expression to the exterior. Combined with thoughtful landscaping, they filter light and views while contributing to the house’s climatic performance and visual identity.

Spatial Organization Across Three Levels

The residential program is distributed across three levels, connected by both a staircase and an elevator, ensuring accessibility and functional clarity. The basement level accommodates the garage and service areas, discreetly integrated into the slope. This allows the upper floors to remain visually light and focused on living spaces.

The ground floor is dedicated to the social areas of the house, where living, dining, and kitchen spaces are arranged to encourage fluid movement and visual continuity. Large openings connect the interior with outdoor terraces and distant views, reinforcing the relationship between domestic life and the landscape.

The upper floor contains the private bedrooms, offering a more introspective atmosphere. Elevated above the social spaces, these rooms benefit from enhanced privacy while maintaining visual connections to the surrounding hills.

Materiality and Interior Atmosphere

TA Residence employs a refined palette of materials that balances warmth, durability, and contemporary expression. Carefully selected finishes from manufacturers such as Indusparquet, Cinex, Infinito Vidros, Ornare, and Mharmaros contribute to a cohesive interior language. Natural textures and neutral tones dominate the spaces, allowing light, shadow, and landscape views to become the primary visual elements.

Large glazed openings frame the exterior scenery while ensuring ample daylight penetration. Interior spaces feel calm and restrained, defined by clean lines and subtle detailing that reinforce the project’s architectural clarity.

Architecture Rooted in Context and Climate

More than a formal exercise, TA Residence reflects a design philosophy rooted in contextual responsiveness. The project addresses climatic conditions, topographical constraints, and urban surroundings through passive design strategies, careful orientation, and landscape integration. By prioritizing environmental comfort and minimizing site intervention, the house establishes a sustainable relationship with its setting.

TA Residence stands as a compelling example of contemporary Brazilian residential architecture, where architectural restraint, environmental intelligence, and spatial generosity coexist in harmony with the land.

All photographs are works of  Jomar Bragança