Cliff House architecture that Floats Over the Landscape

Just like natural plateaus sculpted by time, emerging effortlessly from the landscape, Cliff House, designed by architect Fernanda Marques, rises from the topography and unfolds in cantilevers that seem to defy gravity. Its design originates from the terrain itself, molding to it, while its horizontal lines float above the lush vegetation.

Located in a residential community in the countryside of São Paulo, the house was designed for a young, athletic couple and their three children, who sought a vacation retreat. “From the very beginning, the idea was to create a residence that not only blended into the landscape but also seemed to be born from it, dissolving the boundaries between indoors and outdoors,” says Fernanda.

With 1,395 m² spread across multiple levels that follow the natural slope of the land, the residence prioritizes the seamless integration of social spaces. Expansive and fluid, the living area opens up to the outdoors through generous glass panels, allowing the landscape to permeate the interiors. The materiality reinforces this connection: light-colored stone clads the facades and some interior walls, adding a touch of sophisticated rusticity; slatted wood, present in the ceilings and facade, warms the atmosphere; and metallic details in brown tones add elegance to the composition.

At the heart of Cliff House, a central circulation axis connects the different floors, structuring the home into well-defined sectors that remain interconnected through architectural design. Upon entry, the linked social areas invite contemplation of the view and moments of leisure by the pool.

The leisure and private areas were designed to ensure intimacy while catering to the active lifestyle of the residents, with spaces distributed across the upper and lower floors. The residence features a home theater, seven bedrooms, a fully equipped gym, and a wellness area, creating a true sanctuary for relaxation and well-being.

“The house was designed so that the experience of being in it is, above all, sensory. Wind, light, and vegetation flow into the spaces, while materials and textures invite touch. We wanted to create not just a home, but a retreat that stimulates the senses and offers each resident and visitor a profound connection with the surroundings,” reflects Fernanda.