Brazilian architect Gui Paoliello has completed a semi-circular house elevated above the Morro Cavado valley, using simple construction techniques that are suited to the remote site.
Completed in 2019, the Morro Cavado House is a two-bedroom residence located atop a steep slope overlooking the valleys and lush forests of the Itatiaia National Park, which became Brazil's first national park when it was created in 1937.
The residence, set onto a steep slope, is located near Brazil's oldest national park
To make the most of its natural surroundings, the house is laid out in a radial floor plan facing the views. "The longest perimeter of the arch faces the landscape, creating a visual plane of almost 180 degrees, which allows contemplation of the view from any room in the house," explained Gui Paoliello Arquiteto in a project description. The entrance to the home frames views of the surrounding landscape
Due to the site's remote location and difficult terrain, the architect used locally available timber sections with bespoke steel connections for the structure. "The house was shaped by the design of the topography and built using low environmental impact construction techniques, taking advantage of locally available materials and the knowledge and labor of the region," the architect said.

The home is accessed through a wooden walkway from the driveway that is formed by the curvature at the rear the house. At the entrance, a breezeway leads to the home's ter...