The design of Casa da Vila do Açude is rooted in the simplicity, authenticity, and warmth of traditional homes from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Conceived as a welcoming retreat, the project prioritizes generous and integrated living spaces while establishing a close relationship with the surrounding landscape. The architecture takes advantage of the strong presence of nature as a fundamental compositional element, allowing the native vegetation, natural light, and topography to shape the experience of the house. Every design decision seeks to reinforce a sense of permanence, comfort, and connection to place.

The architectural composition is based on a series of simple formal gestures. Two rectilinear volumes intersect and slightly overlap, creating a clear and balanced spatial organization connected by an internal staircase. The steeply sloping site, characterized by abundant native vegetation in its front portion, naturally guided the implantation of the residence. The house occupies the flattest area at the rear of the lot, minimizing intervention in the landscape while taking advantage of privileged views toward the charming village of Conceição de Ibitipoca and its surrounding mountains.

The lower level, dedicated to the private program, serves as the structural base for the upper social volume. This arrangement allows the main living area to gently project over the natural terrain, creating the impression that it hovers above the forest undergrowth. Access to the bedrooms is provided through an interior circulation space paved with São Thomé stone, a material that extends seamlessly from the exterior entrance into the hall and corridor, blurring the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces. The bedroom windows, reclaimed from historic colonial buildings, were carefully restored and aligned across the façade, preserving a tangible connection to the region's architectural heritage.

The structural system combines exposed reinforced concrete with solid brick masonry, intentionally revealing the building's construction rather than concealing it behind finishes. This honest expression of materials highlights the craftsmanship involved while emphasizing the warm tones and rich textures of the brickwork. On the upper floor, generous openings maximize natural light, cross ventilation, and panoramic views. Large openings facing northwest are protected from excessive solar gain by deep roof overhangs integrated with the substantial volume of the fireplace. Serving as the symbolic heart of the house, the fireplace replaces the conventional television as the focal point of the living room, encouraging gathering, conversation, and contemplation.

Throughout the project, priority was given to traditional regional materials capable of aging gracefully and acquiring character over time. The exposed brick façades continuously change in appearance as shifting sunlight filters through the surrounding trees, creating subtle variations in color and texture throughout the day and across the seasons. Inside, hydraulic tile flooring extends throughout the social areas, complementing the warm palette of brick and natural materials. The outdoor deck functions as an extension of the living spaces, offering a place to pause and enjoy uninterrupted views of the native landscape. A shower integrated into reclaimed railroad ties provides refreshment during warm days, combining functionality with the project's commitment to craftsmanship, material reuse, and respect for the local environment.