DAC House by Gilda Meirelles Arquitetura, A Harmonious Integration with Nature

Date of Publishing: March 10, 2025

Architecture Design of DAC House

Description About The Project

Discover DAC House by Gilda Meirelles Arquitetura, a stunning family retreat in Bragança Paulista, São Paulo. Designed to follow the natural slope, this residence seamlessly integrates stone, wood, and glass, offering a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.

The Project “DAC House” Information:

Project Name: DAC House
Location: Fazenda Dona Carolina, Bragança Paulista, Itatiba, São Paulo, Brazil
Project Year: 2015
Built area: 850 m²
Designed by: Gilda Meirelles Arquitetura

Seamlessly adapting to its natural surroundings

Located within Fazenda Dona Carolina in Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, DAC House by Gilda Meirelles Arquitetura is a prime example of architecture seamlessly adapting to its natural surroundings. Designed to follow the topography of the land, the residence offers a spacious yet intimate retreat that enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor environments while ensuring accessibility and comfort.

DAC House by Gilda Meirelles Arquitetura, A Harmonious Integration with Nature

“The design challenge was to embrace the steep terrain while ensuring a fluid, accessible layout that maximizes views of the surrounding forest,” Gilda Meirelles shared with Luxury Houses Magazine.

SEE MORE: Paralelogramo House by Najas Arquitectos, A Harmonious Integration of Architecture and Landscape

Embracing the Slope: A Design That Follows the Land

The steep inclination of the land was transformed from a challenge into an architectural advantage. Instead of leveling the terrain, the design strategically incorporates multi-level modules, subtly defining different functions of the home.

✔ The intimate wing is positioned at a higher elevation, ensuring privacy for the bedrooms.
✔ The social and service areas are placed on lower levels, integrating seamlessly with terraces and outdoor spaces.
✔ This tiered layout fosters a dynamic spatial experience, creating a sense of fluidity as the home appears to rise naturally from the landscape.

DAC House by Gilda Meirelles Arquitetura A Harmonious Integration with Nature 4

“By respecting the natural contours of the land, we were able to create a structure that feels like an organic extension of the environment,” the architect explained.

A Spacious Yet Cozy Family Retreat

Designed for a young couple with small children, DAC House prioritizes comfort, connection, and functionality. The floor plan includes five spacious suites, with a larger master suite tailored for the couple’s private sanctuary.

✔ Terrace Connectivity: All rooms are linked to a generous terrace, which houses the living area, gourmet kitchen, and TV room.
✔ Flexible Spaces: The TV room features a sliding door, allowing it to be either integrated into or separated from the main living area, depending on use.
✔ Natural Flow: The open-plan design fosters interaction among family members, while the layout ensures privacy when needed.

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“We wanted to create an environment where family life unfolds effortlessly, allowing moments of togetherness while maintaining a sense of personal space,” the architects noted.

SEE MORE: SIRI House by Gla Design Studio, A Harmonious Life Gallery

Material Palette: A Dialogue Between Architecture and Nature

The carefully curated material selection plays a key role in enhancing the home’s connection to its surroundings.

✔ Stone, wood, and glass are prominently used, creating a warm and inviting aesthetic.
✔ Expansive glass panels blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting natural light and panoramic views of the lush forest.
✔ Wood-framed windows add a timeless charm, complementing the surrounding greenery.

“The materials were chosen to blend harmoniously with the landscape, allowing the architecture to feel both sophisticated and organic,” Gilda Meirelles told Luxury Houses.

SEE MORE: The Waterfall House by Space Race Architects, A Serene Urban Retreat in Jalandhar

Innovative Roofing and Climate Adaptation

Given the regional climate, the home’s roofing system was designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind.

✔ Alwitra roofing supported by a steel framework ensures durability and weather resistance.
✔ Extended eaves protect the home from intense sun exposure and heavy rainfall, enhancing energy efficiency.
✔ Brown-painted steel beams visually unify the roof structure, reinforcing the home’s earthy tones.

DAC House by Gilda Meirelles Arquitetura A Harmonious Integration with Nature 3

“The expansive eaves are not just a design feature; they provide crucial shading and protection, making the home more comfortable throughout the seasons,” the architect explained.

SEE MORE: Stiletto House by EHKA Studio, A Masterpiece of Fluidity and Architectural Elegance

Landscaping: The Final Touch of Integration

The landscape design plays a fundamental role in uniting DAC House with its natural surroundings.

✔ Native plants and trees were carefully selected to enhance biodiversity while maintaining low maintenance requirements.
✔ Strategic garden lighting accentuates architectural details and enhances the evening ambiance.
✔ Outdoor pathways and terraces foster seamless transitions between built and natural environments.

DAC House by Gilda Meirelles Arquitetura A Harmonious Integration with Nature 1 2

“The landscaping was designed to enhance the feeling of immersion in nature, reinforcing the home’s identity as a tranquil retreat,” the designers told Luxury Houses Magazine.

SEE MORE: Pendulum House by Truvian Arquitetura, A Fusion of Functionality, Elegance, and Nature

A Perfect Balance Between Architecture and Environment

With its thoughtfully layered design, sustainable material choices, and harmonious relationship with the land, DAC House stands as a testament to timeless, site-sensitive architecture. This contemporary retreat embraces modern comfort while respecting its natural setting, offering an idyllic escape for family life.

“At its core, this house is about balance—between structure and landscape, privacy and openness, function and beauty,” Gilda Meirelles concluded.

Photo credit: Evelyn Müller | Source: Gilda Meirelles Arquitetura

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: R. Augusta, 2883 – Cerqueira César, São Paulo – SP, 01413-100, Brazil
– Tel: +55 11 3085-1752
– Email: gilda@gildameirelles.com.br