Casa Rio Bonito, a modern cabin in the Brazilian rainforest | Carla Juaçaba

Casa Rio Bonito, a modern cabin designed by architect Carla Juaçaba, combines steel and glass with rough cut stone and wood. The light and airy cabin spans the space between massive stone walls that anchor it to the ground. The floor and roof are each supported by a pair of steel I-beams.

Elevating the cabin gave views of a nearby river while allowing for airflow underneath, protecting the cabin from moisture damage in a humid and rainy environment in the highlands of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Steps incorporated into one wall lead up to a rooftop terrace for even better views of the river.

The architect designed a minimal open floor plan of 70 m² (753 ft²). The centrally located bathroom separates the sleeping space from the living/dining/kitchen. The stone on the inside is highlighted by light coming through linear skylights at the end walls.

The front wall is all glass, with sliding doors opening to a covered porch. Heat is provided by the woodstove in the kitchen and the bedroom fireplace built into the stone wall.

Click a thumbnail to view a larger photo, then click on the photo to advance to the next one.

Photographs by Nelson Kon, courtesy of Carla Juaçaba. Via designboom.

Text copyright 2013 SmallHouseBliss. All Rights Reserved.