Dream House: A Modern and Nature-Inspired Apartment

Creating a Dream Home with Nature and Integration

This project, named Dream House and designed by Cristina Menezes, is a unique residential apartment that brings the sensations and atmosphere of a house to a city apartment. The design prioritizes integration with nature and the use of sustainable materials, creating a harmonious and relaxing living space.

The apartment is organized around connections to the outside, with a balcony and large windows that provide ample natural light and bring the surrounding landscape into the house. This integration with nature creates a sense of tranquility and openness, despite being located in a bustling urban environment.

The interior spaces are carefully designed to allow for privacy when needed. Wood panels are used to separate the private areas, such as the bedrooms and bathrooms, from the communal spaces. This strategy not only protects privacy but also adds a touch of drama and surprise to the overall design.

The material palette chosen for the apartment reflects the owners' desire to be connected to nature. Certified timber floors are used in the bedrooms, while neolith, a synthetic product, is used for the rest of the apartment and the countertops. The neolith was glued to the existing floor to minimize waste and expedite the construction process. Additionally, all the lights in the apartment are energy-efficient LED lights.

The Dream House apartment spans a total area of 225 square meters and features four bedrooms with bathrooms, a spacious living room with a dining area, a powder room, a balcony, a kitchen, a laundry area, and a service bathroom. The layout is designed to facilitate interaction among the residents and their guests, with sliding doors providing privacy when needed.

Throughout the apartment, green areas are incorporated to bring nature indoors. A green wall serves as a focal point and adds a touch of freshness to the living space. The overall design is characterized by simplicity and a raw aesthetic, with the use of wood panels and natural materials creating a sense of relaxation and integration.

The Dream House project was realized in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, with construction starting in July 2017 and completing in December 2018. The design team, led by architect Cristina Menezes, included collaborators Laís Laine, Roberta Antunes, and Isabella Galegos, as well as secretary Jackie Kelly.

This unique apartment design has received recognition for its creativity and ingenuity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2019. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate technical and creative excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

The Dream House apartment showcases the possibilities of modern living in an urban environment, harmoniously integrating nature and design. It serves as a model for future developments, demonstrating that it is possible to create a relaxing and sustainable living space even in densely populated areas.