In 30 days, a garden in Teresópolis gets Tuscan-style landscaping

Amid the mountains of Teresópolis, in the Serra region of Rio de Janeiro, this residential landscaping project redefines the experience of country living by transforming the grounds into a vast setting for gathering, contemplation, and leisure. With a Tuscan style and a naturalistic layout, the landscaping by biologist and landscape designer Julio Sousa — part of the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro lineup — sensitively connects the residence’s colonial architecture to its lush surroundings.

Projeto de Júlio Sousa. (Anita Soares/CASACOR)

“The challenge was to create a garden with personality, a presence of color, and, above all, functionality. We envisioned organic paths that encourage the use of the spaces, inviting family and friends to live in the garden at different times of the day,” explains Julio Sousa.

Projeto de Júlio Sousa. (Anita Soares/CASACOR)

The project was conceived around the creation of micro settings, each with its own function and atmosphere. Transitional paths guide the eye and the body through the property, integrating areas such as the fire lounge, the pool area, green trails, and an ornamental bridge that leads to an island in the lake, fostering complete immersion in nature and in the space as a whole.

Projeto de Júlio Sousa. (Anita Soares/CASACOR)

One of the main highlights is the fire lounge, conceived as a strategic gathering point, especially during colder periods. “The space is enveloped by Texas grasses, which act as a natural visual barrier. In addition to creating a sense of shelter, this vegetation helps block the wind, retain the fire’s heat for longer, and even soften external noise,” notes the landscape designer. Another relevant aspect is the use of materials extracted from the site itself in building the lounge’s base, reinforcing the project’s sustainable approach.

Projeto de Júlio Sousa. (Anita Soares/CASACOR)

The botanical selection prioritized resilient, low-maintenance species suited to the mountain climate and the aesthetic proposal, such as capim-do-Texas verde, jasmim-manga, agapanto, dionela, aroeira-salsa, oliveira, azulzinha, alecrim, lavanda, gardênia, kaizuka, bougainville, rosinha-do-sol e hortênsia, among others. From the main entrance to the area around the house, paths are framed by maciços de hortênsias e kaizuka, while the pool area features a layout with dionela e lavanda, creating visual continuity through to the fire pit and the olive tree.

Projeto de Júlio Sousa. (Anita Soares/CASACOR)

Near the residence, sensory islands with lavender and rosemary were installed, which engage the sense of smell and amplify the garden experience. Lighting, the different finishes, and the variations in texture reinforce the project’s naturalistic approach and its welcoming character.

Projeto de Júlio Sousa. (Anita Soares/CASACOR)

Completed in 30 days, the landscaping fosters a fluid connection between the outdoor and indoor projects, evoking sensations of peace, freedom, harmony, and integration with nature. Maintenance was planned in three-month cycles, ensuring the preservation of the garden’s design and vitality over time.