The brown house inspired by the colour of earth and coffee

The use of earthy colours in home design is a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Drawing inspiration from the warm, earthy tones found in nature, this architectural approach aims to create a harmonious connection between the home and its surroundings. Earthy colours evoke a sense of calm and warmth, providing a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. This colour palette – with a predominance of brown – is one of the characteristics of this fantastic home built in Mina Gerais, Brazil: Casa Café.

The brown contrasts with the green of the countryside Igor Macedo

Designed by Carlos Maia, Débora Mendes and Igor Macedo of Tetro Architects, this new private home makes an explicit connection between the social role of coffee and how this beverage can be "an invitation for a long conversation", which is inspired by the reddish earth and twisted trees of the surrounding landscape. "Casa Café is a very special house made for a couple who love drinks – especially coffee – and who artisanally elaborate some processes for their own consumption," the studio describes on its website.

Bright kitchen with views Igor Macedo

Coffee production is another aspect that has been incorporated into the house's design, and not only in the name of the project. "We asked how we could create a project that subjectively represents coffee's characteristics," say Tetro, highlighting that the beverage's quality largely depends on the soil's location and quality, as well as the impact of the aroma of the coffee. Fundamental aspects for the correct performance of the work involved in its production.

The lounge continues the brown theme Igor Macedo

Located on a sloping plot of land, the house consists of two pavilion structures separated by an internal courtyard and surrounded by thick pigmented concrete walls. The contrast is evident in the thick earth-coloured concrete walls that flank the structure, linking the interior and exterior spaces and establishing a direct connection with the land. They combine with the structural lightness of the ceilings, shallow curved sheets of white concrete protruding from the two pavilion structures.

The outside space invites one to reconnect with nature Igor Macedo

On the interior, each pavilion is defined by its use: one is social, the other intimate. The latter is found on the upper end of the land and has three modest rooms next to a car park. The entrance is along from the rooms, before turning 90 degrees down a staircase and through an "earth corridor" that leads to the social space and a change of atmosphere.

Igor Macedo

The open-plan social space includes a kitchen, dining room and living room, and a glazed wall that opens out onto a south-facing terrace. The house's elevation offers uninterrupted views of the countryside. An internal patio and a staggered garden contain one of several existing trees that were incorporated into the house's design.

Brown is present throughout the house Igor Macedo

Access via stairs Igor Macedo