Casa Celeiro Waterfront House

Set along the shores of a reservoir in Delfinópolis, Brazil, Casa Celeiro is an extraordinary waterfront residence that conceals its scale behind the simple silhouette of a traditional barn. Designed by MF+Arquitetos, the 1,108-square-meter home combines a dramatic timber structure with a partially submerged concrete pavilion, creating a striking relationship between architecture, landscape, and water.

The upper volume takes inspiration from rural agricultural buildings, with a long pitched roof supported by engineered timber frames. Deep overhangs extend beyond the enclosed spaces to form shaded verandas, protecting the interiors from direct sunlight while encouraging natural ventilation. Beneath the roof, a steel-clad central volume accommodates five ensuite bedrooms, including a principal suite with expansive sliding glass walls that open toward the surrounding landscape.

At the heart of the upper pavilion, a spectacular double-height living room reveals the full scale of the timber roof. The exposed structure gives the space a sense of warmth and grandeur, while generous openings maintain a close connection to the outdoors. A smaller kitchen, gym, and covered terrace complete this level, which is primarily dedicated to private family life.

A dramatic staircase descends through the hillside to the second pavilion, where the architecture becomes almost invisible within the terrain. Its planted concrete roof blends into the landscape, while three sides of sliding glass open the main living and dining areas toward an outdoor swimming pool and the reservoir beyond. A larger kitchen, sauna, wine cellar, and additional service spaces make this lower level the home's principal entertaining area.

The transition between the two volumes is equally considered. Rough stone steps weave through established vegetation, creating a gradual journey between the upper residence and the waterfront pavilion. Timber, concrete, steel, and natural stone establish a restrained material palette that allows the surrounding landscape to remain the defining feature. Completed in 2026, Casa Celeiro demonstrates how a seemingly straightforward architectural form can accommodate a remarkable sequence of spaces without overwhelming its setting.

Images credit: Fernando Guerra

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