Located in the Brazilian Central Plateau within Brasília-DF, Grota’s House is a striking single-family residence designed by Esquadra Arquitetos. The house is situated on a 1,500 sq m plot that includes a permanent preservation area in its eastern section, restricting construction to the innermost portion of the land, away from the street. This unique setting allowed the architects to design a home that prioritises the integration of the native forest and enhances its presence through the residence’s layout and openings.
The project was shaped by the client’s vision for a small, economically built home that utilises minimalist materials while maintaining harmony with the local vegetation. The resulting single-storey structure features a concise program that includes a garage, four bedrooms, a living room integrated with the kitchen, a service area, an outdoor deck, and a swimming pool. Designed to accommodate phased construction, the house is organised into three distinct volumes; these include a linear pavilion, a garage volume, and a third volume with independent access.
A thorough technical evaluation led to the adoption of a mixed structural system of concrete and steel. The steel structure, chosen for its suitability in connecting the different phases of construction, was painted orange, a deliberate choice inspired by the earthy tones of the Cerrado soil. This vibrant colour contrasts beautifully with the greens and blues of the surrounding landscape, creating a visual harmony that ties the house to its environment. Custom-designed orange window frames, offering various opening configurations, further emphasise the connection between the interiors and the native vegetation.
The outdoor space features a deck and a lap pool, designed to support the homeowner’s routine physical activities. Additionally, the client, a nature enthusiast, established an agroforestry system on the remaining plot, integrating agricultural, native, and fruit-bearing species from the region. This approach not only preserves but also enhances the biodiversity of the area.
