Valley House: An Open-Layout Home with a Tropical Garden Inside

The house designed by David Guerra is located in Nova Lima, Brazil. With an area of approximately 700 square meters, this Valley House is inhabited by a couple with their two growing sons. The house is designed to be surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, providing natural scenery on all sides of the house.

This two-story house, covered in concrete and bricks, boasts a modern design. The exterior of the building appears simple, robust, and rigid but has complexity in its interior. Its hillside location gives the house a unique landscape with gardens surrounding it.

The first floor of the house is used for social, relaxation, and service areas. To enter the house, visitors pass through a staircase made of natural stones integrated into the landscape. A wooden door at the front of the house serves as the main entrance. The parking area is also located at the front of the house.

Upon entering the house, visitors arrive at a hallway that opens up to an indoor tropical garden. This indoor garden is the most prominent feature of the house.

The architect designed the garden with glass surroundings, making it visible from various angles. Glass doors around it provide access to the garden for the residents.

The work area and a restroom are the nearest rooms to the entrance. This setup makes it convenient for the residents to receive guests who are directly related to their work in the office.

On the other side, there is a TV room and a living room parallel to the indoor dining area and kitchen. This area is also connected to an outdoor terrace used for relaxation and outdoor dining. Glass sliding windows serve as partitions between the outdoor terrace and the interior of the house.

The spacious kitchen inside the house serves as the central hub. It can be opened up by sliding wooden partitions on all four sides, connecting it to the indoor dining area, the terrace, the playroom, and the pool deck. The house features various amenities that promote relaxation and leisure, including a playroom equipped with a billiard table and a bar.

The pool deck, made of wooden planks, serves as a space for sunbathing, relaxation, and outdoor dining with a soothing view. Besides the pool, there is also a spa area that can be enjoyed by the family or friends.

The spa area offers a view of the surrounding natural environment through its glass walls.
 

The house is designed with several partitions that can be opened up, allowing the owners to create a large open space for hosting parties. The room layout can adapt according to the needs of the residents.

The staircase leading to the upper floor is surrounded by the indoor tropical garden. With its glass enclosure, the staircase becomes an intriguing area, offering views of the indoor garden from a higher vantage point. The journey up and down the stairs is never dull due to the captivating scenery.

The second floor serves as the private area of the house. It includes one main bedroom with a walk-in closet and a bathroom featuring a bathtub. Additionally, there are three bedrooms, each equipped with an ensuite bathroom with shower facilities. All the bedrooms offer views of the outdoor areas through their windows.

The spacious main bedroom offers several advantages, including a generous closet size, a bathroom with a small garden, and access to a rooftop terrace. This rooftop area serves as a comfortable relaxation spot, ideal for enjoying morning tea or basking in the sunset while bonding with a partner.

The uniqueness of this house extends beyond its indoor and layout features; it also lies in the materials used. The incorporation of natural materials, exposed elements, and the warm brown tones of wood throughout the interior give the house its distinct warmth. Every side of the house that faces the outdoor areas, whether the surrounding gardens or the indoor tropical garden, provides a comfortable and refreshing environment for its residents.

The furniture inside the house was specially designed by a Brazilian designer and other international designers. Decorative elements, such as carpets, curtains, and wood, were designed to reflect the identity of Brazil, creating a unique and highly localized atmosphere.

source: valley house | photography by Jomar Braganca.