Casa Montanha

A tranquil retreat built on top of a mountain, Casa Montanha houses airy spaces that open to spectacular views.

Commissioned by a well-traveled couple from São Paulo, this mountaintop villa is designed as a serene sanctuary that immerses the residents in a breathtaking natural landscape, offering the perfect excuse to take a break from exploring the world. Sabella Arquitetura, an architecture and interior design firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, completed the project. Valuing minimalism, quality materials and the idea of creating a deep connection to nature, studio founder Frederico Sabella designed the dwelling with a horizontal form that extends toward the spectacular landscape via terraces with pergolas.

At an altitude of 1220 m, the remote location of the site presented some challenges, which the architects overcame to create a flat plateau on top of the mountain. The orientation of the building maximizes the views, ventilation and natural light. Placed on the northern side of the property, the large courtyard is protected from the cold southern winds by the walls of the house. A winding road leads to the entrance and the garage, located on the lowest level. From here, the residents can directly access both the central courtyard and the main door that leads to the rooms.

Glazing connects the interiors to the landscape, framing views of the sky and the green mountains and valleys. Contrasting the transparency of the main living spaces that feature glass sliding doors, an intimate corridor with vertical openings and stone walls links different areas of the house. Concealed behind a double wall, a staircase leads to the only room on the upper level, the master bedroom.

Open-plan spaces finished with rustic details and tactile materials.

The main living area has an open-plan layout. The kitchen features a built-in bench and a wood-fired stove which the clients use to serve meals from handmade clay pots. Handcrafted hydraulic tiles add a traditional accent to the modern-rustic style of this space. A massive solid wood dining table becomes a social hub for both everyday meals and gatherings with family and friends. The clients’ love of rustic design also becomes clear in the choice of accessories and decorative items, from the ceramic vases to the copper utensils, proudly displayed in the kitchen.

In the lounge area, the suspended fireplace becomes a focal point while also creating a cozy atmosphere. Behind it, glass walls bring the landscape closer, establishing a poetic dialogue between the fire and nature. The eastern wing of the house opens up to cinematic views of the Pedra do Baú rock formation and the Gonçalves valley.

Outdoor living spaces that encourage the residents and their guests to relax while contemplating the surrounding nature.

Outside, there’s an infinity pool with a wooden deck and comfortable seating, offering the perfect way to relax in the sun. Another deck, oriented to the western side of the plot, provides a great place to admire the sunset. This area also features a gourmet area with an outdoor kitchen and a dining table with chairs. Lush gardens surround the space, while pergolas provide shade from the heat of the sun. Nearby, there’s also a sauna with a bathroom.

Using locally sourced materials as much as possible, the team built the retreat from sustainable materials like wood and stone. While the reclaimed timber pillars come from a coffee barn, the base and retaining walls are made of locally sourced stone. The ceramic tiles on the roof enrich the material palette further. Inside the house, the studio used wood panels and natural stone as well as cement for the floor that runs through the shared living spaces. In the bedrooms, reclaimed timber floors create a cozy atmosphere while white brick adds a beautiful texture to the palette.

Designed as a tranquil living space, this retreat celebrates the beauty of nature and the character and richness of natural materials. Ultimately, it encourages the inhabitants to slow down, unwind, and live in the moment. Photographs © Maíra Acayaba.