This rural retreat offers the homeowners a layered architectural experience that invites daily interaction with nature and their art collection. Originally from Rio, they sought to incorporate Brazilian elements into a design that harmonizes with the land. In this serene setting overlooking a rustic lake, the structure becomes a sculptural object—a contemplative space that blurs the boundary between architecture and art.

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Approached through a meadow of native prairie plantings, the home appears as a modest contemporary cabin framed by a garden wall, with views of the lake beyond. This space serves as the entry and a lofted lounge. Primary living spaces, bedrooms, and secondary areas are located below grade, embedded into the hill and concealed by a green roof.

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Inside, the home unfolds gradually. Varied ceiling heights, abstract geometries, and layered lighting create a dynamic sequence of spaces that shift with movement and light. A continuous sloping roof guides movement from the entry down to the living spaces, reinforcing the home’s relationship to the landscape.

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Materials that weather and change were selected to echo nature and record the passage of daily life: cedar cladding will soften to silver; a Cor-Ten steel door and louvers will oxidize with exposure; and a copper island in the kitchen will patina with use, highlighting lived experiences.