An Ark for a Large Clan Set in the Mountains of Brazil

This gorgeous houseboat in a rural region of Itaipava from Cadas Arquitetura, appears to lightly skim the water.

The houseboat is actually a house, set slightly above the land, in an isolated mountainous region of Brazil.

Cooled by a natural pond, the house exudes the most peaceful and contemplative relaxation imaginable.

Giving the verandah a tea pavilion effect, a raised timbered ceiling appears to float casually above the roof of the rooms within.

Natural ponds are abundant in this high mountain rain-forested region, popular for vacation homes.

You are not only surrounded by water, when you walk in, you can step right into water inside as well.

This exercise pool is included as part of the living room, set within the warmth of the rich wooden floor, snuggled up to a fire at night.

By day, this opens out like a conservatory, offering glassed-in views to the outdoor ponds.

This is a house that makes a memorable haven for large family gatherings of the clan.

Upstairs, rough hewn beams form a counterpoint between the undulating textures of natural wood and the machined planks of the wooded flooring and the lattice of basketry forming the ceiling under a skylight.

Like a paleolithic long house, the solid security of the long narrow interior creates a clan retreat that provides both contemplative spaces and a real community center.