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A description of the text provided by the architect. After living in the city center of Rio de Janeiro for many years, clients wanted to build an intimate retreat on their property next to Tijuca National Park, where they could enjoy books, art and especially the natural landscape. The main design goal was to make the house as small as possible in the tropical jungle. The 1,500-square-foot house rises above the rainforest canopy. This is a secluded hideaway for a couple of owners to escape the hindrance of urban life.
The house, which is essentially a steel and glass box, floats on land structurally supported by two concrete piers. One of them also acts as an indoor / outdoor fireplace. The 3.1-acre site is surrounded by palm and carinana trees and has a single bedroom at the north end, with views of the city, the sea and the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio from the south end. increase. On the ground below, there is a porch with a screen and an outdoor kitchenette, where owners can enjoy the scenery.
Local construction techniques are incorporated throughout, such as the plate-shaped concrete site walls above the Brazilian tradition of terracotta and the colorful stucco interior walls. The floor is made of Brazilian wood and vermilion stained concrete, a common vernacular tradition. Painted marine grade stainless steel, the main material of the house, withstands humid climates where corrosion is a concern. The house is designed for natural ventilation with manual pivot windows and retractable window walls with insect screens. Together with a solar water heating system, these allow the house to function during intermittent power outages.
“This house is a private and intimate place for a couple of owners to climb the hillsides of Rio de Janeiro and enjoy books, art and especially the big and beautiful scenery.” – Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA , Design Principal
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