House in Carapicuiba is set in a small valley far below street level.

Two distinct volumes clad in concrete, masonry, and glass differentiate public space from private space in this steel-framed residence; both offer views of the surrounding river and mountains.

With a new structure, the architects responded to their client’s passion for barns by incorporating into the design traditional qualities of barns—generous spaces, repetitive timber frame—while creating a complex interior for modern living.

A two-story 3,230-square-foot residence includes a double height reception and dining area, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, an office, a media room, a library,  playroom, and spa room.

Eighty percent of Australians live within 80 miles of the sea; 50 percent of the country’s houses sit less than 8 miles from a beach.