Gridded Modular Eco Home in the Hills Outside Sao Paulo

This beautiful home in the hills outside of Sao Paulo is <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/06/one-modular-prefab-homes-are-like-legos-for-adults/" target="_blank">modular by design</a>, consisting of timber beam units formed into a grid. Gardens, walkways, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/06/one-modular-prefab-homes-are-like-legos-for-adults/" target="_blank">green roofs</a>, and pavilions weave in between the family rooms, creating a direct connection with the surrounding landscape. Designed by the Brazilian firm <a href="http://www.fgmf.com.br/" target="_blank">forte, gimenes &amp; marcondes ferraz ARQUITETOS</a>, Casa Grelha, or Grid House, stands up on stilts in a beautiful valley surrounded by a large swath of native forest that is permanently protected.

The Grid House is located in the mountains outside of Sao Paulo, Brazil. It sits on a plot of protected land that measures 53.24 hectares.

The house is composed of modular units made up of timber beams, which combine to form the one story house.

Each grid serves as a room, garden, pavilion or open space that provides views of the surrounding landscape.

The grids are 5.5 m x 5.5 m x 3 m in size and are suspended above the ground because of the region's high humidity levels.

Brazilian firm forte, gimenes &amp; marcondes ferraz ARQUITETOS, who designed the home, were tasked with creating a space that had direct connection to nature and also provided privacy for the owners.

The main house includes a washing area, social area, a guest room, the owner’s apartment, and three isolated modules, with two bedrooms each, for the children.

Some of the grids are left empty on purpose and some include gardens and water features.

The pavilion is supported by metallic beams of cor-ten steel that are erected in a wing shape.

The wooden grid, supported by a set of concrete pillars, is set on the hill on two sides, as if sprouting from the ground.

The house is nestled in a small protected valley located at the crossroads of many converging paths.

One can travel through the house three different ways -- on the top through the roof top gardens, on the living level, or underneath it.

The open grids allow for more natural daylight to reach into each room.

The layout of the property shows the location of the home in relationship to the native forest and other buildings.