AS House — Twin-Level Modern Home in Petrópolis, Brazil

Space can be a paradox: too much opens countless possibilities and decisions, while too little forces strict compromises. The design of the AS House in Petrópolis, Brazil, navigates that balance with quiet confidence. The architects and homeowners sought a residence that reads as grounded and simple despite spanning two levels. The solution is a thoughtful twin-level layout that often feels like a single-story home, anchored by a careful arrangement of materials, shading devices and open connections to the landscape.

The house’s concept grew from extensive planning and attention to orientation. A series of brise soleil provide controlled shading for both interior and exterior spaces, tempering direct sun while allowing daylight and views. This strategy keeps living areas comfortable and visually connected to the outdoors without sacrificing privacy or comfort.

Stone wall of the lower level has the appeal of a retaining wall from distance

Although the house spans two levels, vertical circulation is so carefully integrated that it’s easy to reach the ground floor from almost any room upstairs. The lower level is defined by striking stone walls that read like retaining walls from a distance, lending the home a sense of permanence and a strong connection to the site. Those same stone surfaces are visible inside, where they provide texture and warmth within living areas and the kitchen.

Wood is another consistent material throughout the house, creating a warm counterpoint to stone and glass. The interiors emphasize natural tactile finishes, while large glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the surrounding greenery and blur the boundary between inside and outside. These transparent elements are central to the home’s open, airy feel and encourage a fluid indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Gorgeous lighting and landscape at the AS House — Gorgeous lighting and lovely natural landscape add to the beauty of the AS House

Material choices such as granite flooring help unify the interior palette while delivering durability and a refined look. Spacious bedrooms and well-proportioned living areas benefit from abundant natural light and carefully placed accent lighting that enhances architectural details after dark. Skylights and an intelligent plan allow daylight to penetrate deep into the upper level, creating an inviting and healthy living environment.

Indoor pool at AS House — Indoor pool of the AS House

Water elements are woven into the composition to extend the sense of calm and leisure. The indoor pool, for example, is thoughtfully integrated so that reflections and surfaces become part of the visual experience from surrounding rooms. Outside, a pool finished in Hijau stone contrasts subtly with the warm wood deck and bench that define the sunning and social area. The color and texture of the pool finish are accentuated by daylight and careful lighting, creating a cohesive outdoor living experience.

Blend of stone, wood and glass inside the home — Lovely blend of stone, wood and glass inside the contemporary Brazilian home

Large glass doors allow nature to be seen from the inside; the wood deck and bench by the outdoor pool accentuate the Hijau stone color underwater. The brown brise soleil and ceramic roof tiles on the second floor help the heavier volume blend with the landscape, while a zig-zag organization improves circulation on the first floor and creates visible light volumes throughout the plan.

Architectural composition is subtle but intentional: brown brise soleil and ceramic roof tiles visually tie the second floor to the landscape, softening the mass and creating a cohesive façade. A zig-zag structural gesture on the lower level enhances cross circulation and frames changing light patterns across the day. These moves make each area of the house feel connected and purposeful while promoting natural ventilation and daylighting.

Pool with Hijau stone and wooden deck around it

Private street facade in stone — Private street facade of the AS House in stone

From the street, the stone-clad façade presents a robust and private face to the neighborhood, while the home’s interior and outdoor living areas open progressively to the landscape. This contrast between solidity and openness gives the residence a layered, human scale that feels both protective and generous.

Spacious interior and skylights create a gorgeous upper level at the AS House

Stone walls inside the house — Stone walls make an appearance inside the house as well!

Photography captures the house’s material interactions, light and relationship to the site. Images document how stone, wood and glass interact to shape the living experience—highlighting the architectural intent to merge comfort, durability and an intimate connection to the surrounding landscape.

Twin level modern home with indoor-outdoor interplay — Sweeping twin level modern home in Brazil with a flowing indoor-outdoor interplay

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls and sliding doors — Floor-to-ceiling glass walls and sliding glass doors of the AS House

The AS House is an example of contemporary residential design that respects site, climate and materiality. Its twin-level composition, thoughtful use of stone and wood, generous glazing and integrated shading devices create a home that feels cohesive, comfortable and closely attuned to its Brazilian setting.

Photography credited to Leonardo Finotti.