Etel Carmona, a furniture designer, spearheads the creation of a family compound in Brazil’s Serra da Mantiqueira mountains. Collaborating with her children and local artisans, they design a harmonious space that balances communal living and private dwellings. The project emphasizes natural materials and the family’s deep connection to the landscape, resulting in a unique mountain retreat.
In Brazil, furniture designer Etel Carmona, aged 78, found inspiration in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, leading her to establish a family compound. Guided by her son Nelo Augusto, she explored a secluded plot, igniting a desire for a home near her childhood roots. Carmona envisioned a refuge for her three children and their families, encapsulating a sense of belonging to the landscape.
After decades in São Paulo, Carmona had relocated to Louveira due to the urban chaos. Frustrated in her search for furniture, she started a woodworking atelier in 1985, creating modern designs from traditional techniques. Carmona’s daughter, Lissa, now leads the design studio, expanding their offerings while preserving family legacies.
When tasked with designing the mountain compound, Lissa initially resisted her family’s proposal for a large house. Instead, she envisioned a cluster of smaller dwellings harmonizing with the natural surroundings. Drawing on local artisans, Lissa aimed for structures that respected the mountain’s climate and landscape, seeking inspiration from a previously designed prefabricated cabin.
The architectural firm AR Arquitetos crafted a cohesive site plan, resulting in a 1,400-square-foot home for Carmona, reflecting traditional Portuguese farmhouses. This building utilizes natural materials and features a unique window design, blending seamlessly with the environment. A shared pavilion connects the family spaces, fostering communal living while maintaining privacy.
Across from Carmona’s home, Lissa’s four-bedroom residence integrates into the landscape with its open design and local wood materials. Both homes are positioned strategically, allowing them to coexist within the serene setting, preserving the essence of the compound Carmona had aspired to create. The design celebrates harmony with the environment while embodying family unity.
The story of Etel Carmona and her family unfolds in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, showcasing a harmonious blend of modern living and respect for nature. By opting for a clustered design of individual homes, the family achieved both closeness and independence, reinforcing familial bonds while embracing their surroundings. This innovative architectural approach exemplifies how thoughtful design can create a welcoming space that honors both family and environment.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
