Two figures stand silhouetted against a hazy horizon on the flat, linear roofline of a modern residence. Below, a vibrant foreground of large, lush tropical leaves creates a biophilic embrace, emphasizing the interplay between the geometric simplicity of the structure and the organic city vista beyond.

AEA House: A Thoughtful Fusion of Architecture, Nature, and Summer Living in Brazil

Words by Eric David

Angra dos Reis, Brazil

Nestled between the forest and the sea on the verdant coastline of Angra dos Reis, Brazil, this summer house was conceived as an extension of its lush surroundings. Designed by Jacobsen Arquitetura with landscaping by Rodrigo Oliveira, the AEA House dissolves the boundary between architecture and nature, creating a seamless dialogue between the built form and a living ecosystem by responding to the site's topography, vegetation, and shifting coastal light with quiet precision.

A long, open-air walkway featuring rich timber decking extends alongside a massive, moss-covered boulder, reflecting the surrounding tropical forest in its glass facade. The deep perspective emphasizes the seamless integration of natural elements with the modernist structure, creating a tranquil biophilic pathway.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

Nestled deep within a lush tropical landscape, the contemporary residence with its expansive wooden eaves and glass walls reveals a serene outdoor living space. Towering, ancient trees with their sprawling roots frame the composition, underscoring the biophilic design that prioritizes harmony with the natural environment.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

Perched higher on the hill, while the owner’s original residence offered sweeping views, it kept a certain distance from the ocean. Over time, the owner’s relationship with the land deepened, prompting the desire for a new, more immersive home, one closer to the water and more intimately connected with the site. Respecting the footprint of the earlier structure, the architects anchored the new house lightly onto the terrain, preserving existing rock formations and vegetation wherever possible. The result is a long, low-slung volume that opens out toward the sea while nestling into the hillside, its layered horizontality echoing the strata of the landscape itself. Viewed from the water, the house appears to hover just above the shore: the slightly elevated ground floor is softened by lush planting, while the cantilevered upper level, supported by slender columns, stretches outward like an architectural canopy.

As would be expected, materials play a key role in achieving such a delicate balance. A structural palette of metal, concrete and laminated wood reinforces the house’s connection to its environment with clarity and restraint, while coffered timber ceilings, hardwood floors, and oxidized wooden latticework screens in the interior echo the tones and textures of sun-bleached driftwood further embedding the house in its coastal context.

An expansive aerial view captures a minimalist, horizontal dwelling on a lush, rocky peninsula, set amidst dense tropical foliage. The design incorporates natural pools and wooden decks that extend over the vibrant green-blue water, seamlessly connecting the residence with its stunning coastal environment.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

The expansive horizontal residence stands gracefully at the water's edge, its warm wooden facades and extensive glazing glowing with interior light against the twilight sky. A series of natural pools and a timber dock lead into the calm waters, showcasing a harmonious blend of architecture and a vibrant coastal landscape.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

A person in a bright yellow dress descends a natural stone path leading to a sheltered outdoor living area beneath the cantilevered wooden structure. The vibrant tropical foliage cascades around the architectural elements, highlighting the seamless indoor-outdoor transition and the rich material palette of timber and stone.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

A long, open corridor with rich wooden flooring and an exposed timber ceiling structure defines a seamless transition between interior and exterior. On one side, a vibrant wall of tropical plants flourishes, while on the other, a figure walks through the minimalist space, emphasizing the deep connection to nature within the architecture.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

A captivating view from the dense tropical undergrowth reveals a section of the dwelling, where its timber soffit and exposed beam structure cantilever over natural rock formations and abundant foliage. The biophilic design harmonizes raw nature with refined modern architecture, creating a sheltered yet open connection to the vibrant surroundings.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • Two individuals walk along the elevated walkway of the modernist residence, seemingly floating above a dense sea of vibrant green tropical plants. Beyond, the tranquil ocean stretches to distant, hazy mountains, highlighting the architectural strategy of elevating the living spaces to embrace panoramic views and a biophilic aesthetic.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • Two figures stand on the expansive, minimalist rooftop terrace, overlooking a vast, clear blue sky and distant verdant islands. The clean lines of the architecture are framed by a foreground of lush, tropical foliage, emphasizing the seamless connection between the modern dwelling and the breathtaking natural panorama.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • A sturdy wooden pier with a small swimming platform extends into the calm, green-tinted waters, complementing the rocky, tree-lined coastline. The natural textures of wood and stone are prominent, creating an authentic, rustic-modern transition from land to sea under a soft, overcast sky.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

An overhead drone shot reveals the "L" shaped modern layout of the dwelling, discreetly nestled into the natural contours of the lush peninsula. The flat, integrated roofs, natural stone pathways, and organic-shaped pools blend seamlessly with the dense green foliage and the emerald-toned ocean, highlighting a biophilic design.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

An aerial view highlights the sleek, low-profile architecture, designed to immerse itself in the dense Brazilian rainforest. The minimalist structure with its expansive flat roof and floor-to-ceiling glass walls is surrounded by lush green foliage and natural rock formations, creating a striking biophilic sanctuary. A figure stands on the rooftop, embracing the serene natural vista.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

An expansive view captures the residence nestled along the vibrant coastline, where the minimalist structure with its flat roof and subtle hues blends into the abundant tropical foliage. The architecture’s discreet presence allows the natural beauty of the lush greenery, rocky shoreline, and tranquil ocean to dominate the composition.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

A double-height interior space showcases an intricate timber ceiling grid and wide plank wooden floors, with a large natural rock formation integrated into the living area. Expansive glass walls blur the lines between inside and out, offering an immersive view into the vibrant, lush tropical forest, embodying a sophisticated biophilic design.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

Accessed by a winding road that descends from the hilltop, the house reveals itself gradually. Dense foliage conceals the structure and obscures views of the sea, which only emerge inside the house, unfolding in a sweeping panorama. In the entrance hall, a boulder embedded in the timber floor quietly asserts the land’s presence in juxtaposition to the ocean beyond. It’s only upon descending to the lower level that the monumental scale of the rock is revealed, anchoring a reflecting pool and serving as a sculptural counterpoint to the home’s measured geometry.

Once on the lower level, the architecture gives way to openness: floor-to-ceiling glazing dissolves into views of the sea and sky, while generous eaves and shaded terraces blur the boundaries between interior and exterior. The main social spaces, which include the living room, dining area, kitchen, and a cluster of leisure zones, are all oriented toward the ocean. This also applies to the bedrooms above, each opening onto a communal sea-facing balcony lined with a long bench that doubles as a balustrade. On the opposite side, the hallway that connects the bedrooms opens to the rear of the property, offering glimpses of the steep terrain and layered biodiversity beyond.

A massive, textured boulder and a stacked stone wall anchor a minimalist interior space, featuring a dark reflective pool. A striking concrete staircase with dark metal framing ascends, while perforated metal panels and warm wooden ceilings add texture and light, creating a dramatic interplay of natural and architectural elements.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

A grand interior space features an exposed timber grid ceiling and a dramatic floating staircase with a large natural rock formation. A dark, reflecting pool runs alongside, creating a serene and integrated environment, while an Eastern-inspired sculpture adds cultural depth.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

This striking image captures an indoor-outdoor swimming pool seamlessly merging with the horizon, offering expansive views of the ocean and distant islands. An architectural staircase with floating concrete treads creates a dramatic vertical element against the light-filled, minimalist space, while a figure relaxes poolside, emphasizing tranquility.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • A long, elevated wooden walkway with integrated lighting extends alongside a series of perforated screens, offering a journey through the residence. The exposed timber ceiling above and distant tropical views emphasize the blend of natural materials and thoughtful design, creating a seamless connection to the outdoors.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • A sun-drenched bedroom opens entirely to a private wooden deck, with a person in yellow looking out at the serene ocean and distant islands. The exposed timber ceiling and perforated sliding screens create a warm, inviting atmosphere, blending natural materials with a minimalist approach to maximize the stunning coastal views.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • A minimalist interior hallway features warm wooden paneling on walls and ceiling, providing a serene backdrop for vibrant contemporary art. A massive, raw rock formation dramatically intersects the space, showcasing the dwelling's commitment to integrating natural elements and creating a unique, authentic atmosphere.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

Rodrigo Oliveira’s landscape design heightens the house’s lightness and tactility. Informed by a Japanese-inspired philosophy, the garden is shaped by five principles: imperfection, intuition, intrigue, unpredictability, and the inexplicable. Together, they underpin a naturalistic approach that resists rigid formality in favour of organic expression. Plantings are layered to emulate the spontaneity of native vegetation with broad-leaved foliage cloaking the base of the house, and soft groundcovers spilling across winding paths.

The garden invites slow exploration, with trails curving gently downhill, weaving through dense thickets and sunlit clearings before unfolding onto a more manicured landscape near the water. Here, the wildness of the forest gives way to a lawn dotted with sculptural boulders—existing formations that Oliveira thoughtfully integrated into the composition—alongside two organically shaped pools that echo the sinuous contours of the coastline and a towering tree that casts its shade over the terrace.

Together, Jacobsen Arquitetura and Rodrigo Oliveira have composed a living environment in dialogue with its setting, shaped by its rhythms and receptive to its presence. In doing so, they remind us that architecture, at its most thoughtful, doesn’t simply frame a view, it fosters belonging.

  • A person in a vibrant yellow dress walks along a stepping stone path, leading towards an infinity pool that merges with the serene ocean. The cantilevered wooden structure above provides shelter, while towering tropical trees frame the view, creating a tranquil and luxurious outdoor living space that embraces the coastal landscape.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • A wide shot captures the modernist dwelling nestled into the lush Brazilian coastline, its horizontal form and warm timber accents mirroring the natural contours. Terraced lawns, natural rock formations, and organic pools lead down to a private dock, creating a sophisticated yet utterly connected biophilic retreat on the tranquil emerald sea.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • An elevated view reveals the discreet profile of the single-story residence, with its low-slung roof and minimalist lines, integrated seamlessly into the lush, undulating terrain. A winding stone path leads through manicured lawns and vibrant tropical plants, emphasizing the design's harmony with the rich natural landscape.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • A person in a yellow dress relaxes on a cantilevered wooden deck, overlooking serene waters framed by lush tropical trees and natural rock formations. The design harmonizes with the coastal landscape, providing a tranquil outdoor living space.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • A grand moss-covered boulder dominates the foreground, juxtaposed with the elegant, low-slung residence and its expansive wooden deck with glass railings. The seamless connection between raw nature and refined architecture is highlighted by the surrounding lush tropical forest, under a clear, bright sky.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

The layered facade of the modern residence features expansive glass panels and perforated screens that offer privacy while maintaining connection to the lush surroundings. The lower level's open plan reveals inviting living and dining areas, all framed by towering tropical trees under a dynamic sky, creating a blend of architectural refinement and natural immersion.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

The modernist coastal dwelling glows with interior light at dusk, its horizontal layers of warm wood and glass nestled against a dense backdrop of tropical forest. A private timber dock extends over the calm, green-tinged waters, enhancing the serene and inviting atmosphere of this integrated architectural gem.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • A woman in a dark dress stands on a concrete staircase, looking towards a monumental natural rock formation integrated into the interior. The space is defined by warm wooden floors, intricate timber ceilings, and perforated metal screens, all illuminated by soft ambient lighting, creating a tranquil fusion of natural and refined elements.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • A dynamic indoor space features a remarkable natural boulder seamlessly integrated into the multi-level wooden flooring. A person in motion, dressed in yellow, ascends the stairs, highlighting the flow and connection between architectural elements and raw nature, all under an exposed timber ceiling grid and overlooking distant ocean views.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

  • A breathtaking interior view showcases a grand wooden grid ceiling with skylights, illuminating a double-height space. A floating concrete staircase gracefully ascends beside an integrated natural boulder, while a large glass wall reveals expansive views of the distant ocean and lush rainforest, embodying a sophisticated biophilic design.

    Photography by Fernando Guerra.

The expansive residence, with its horizontal lines and warm wooden facades, gracefully stretches along the verdant shoreline, overlooking the placid emerald waters. A sleek swimming pool and outdoor lounge area connect seamlessly with the natural landscape, featuring a large, mature tree that anchors the biophilic design to its coastal environment.

Photography by Fernando Guerra.