A furniture designer, Etel Carmona, and her adult children have created a modern compound in Brazil’s Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, blending individual living spaces with communal areas. This project reflects Carmona’s return to her childhood roots and symbolizes family unity, heritage, and a commitment to sustainable design.
In Brazil, a family has established a unique living arrangement that combines togetherness and independence. A talented furniture designer, Etel Carmona, along with her three adult children, has created a modern mountain compound in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, near her childhood village of Sapucaí-Mirim. The decision to develop this space began under foggy conditions in April 2020, when Carmona felt instantly drawn to the landscape, sparking the desire to build a home there.
Carmona’s journey back to her roots was inspired by her son, Nelo Augusto, who discovered the beautiful plot while exploring the region. After negotiating with the landowner, Carmona envisioned a home that would serve as a refuge for her family. Her relocation to São Paulo in her teens had distanced her from her birthplace; thus, this project signifies a homecoming not only for her but also for her children.
Carmona established a woodworking atelier in 1985 to create custom furniture for her home, thereby channeling her artistic talents into this venture. As time progressed, her daughter, Lissa, led the expansion of their family business to include designs by other renowned Brazilian designers. This collective effort has allowed their firm to flourish while honoring traditional techniques.
Initially, Lissa took over four months to visit the mountain property. Upon her arrival, she proposed a design that diverged from the original idea of a large residence. Instead, she suggested building multiple smaller dwellings harmoniously integrated into the landscape, leveraging existing clearings to minimize disruption of the environment. This approach exemplified a commitment to preserving the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
Working with the São Paulo-based architectural firm AR Arquitetos, Lissa emphasized collaboration with regional artisans familiar with local traditions and materials. The architects quickly settled on a design plan, resulting in a minimalist three-bedroom house for Carmona that acknowledges local architectural styles. The structure and its surroundings foster a connection unique to rural locales.
The communal pavilion, furnished in natural woods and rose-toned cedar, serves as the heart of the family’s complex. Its open areas invite energetic interactions while celebrating regional materials. Adjacent to this structure, Lissa’s family residence features expansive windows and unobtrusive architectural choices that further connect it to the landscape, symbolizing an intimate bond with their surroundings.
Overall, the compound seeks to preserve individual family autonomy while promoting shared experiences within a breathtaking setting. Lissa articulates that on misty mornings, the harmonious design allows the existing structures to blend seamlessly with the environment, creating an ethereal living space for the family that embodies both home and heritage.
In conclusion, the mountain compound in Brazil exemplifies a harmonious blend of family togetherness and individual space. Etel Carmona’s vision, supported by her children’s contributions, transformed her childhood landscape into a thoughtful living environment that honors both tradition and modernity. This project not only serves as a home but also as a beacon of familial bonds, fostering shared experiences amidst nature’s beauty.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
