The construction of a residence in Praia da Figueira in Angra dos Reis presented challenges due to its location on sloping terrain with dense vegetation consisting of large trees, banana trees, and heliconias. The semicircular shape stems from the intention to orient the construction towards both the sunset and the open sea horizon across Gipóia Island.
The design concept begins with an understanding of the sun's path across the sky, incorporating it into the architecture and organizing the house's layout along an arc, with a front facing a large deck that embraces the existing trees on the site and a generous circular patio at the rear.
The layout seeks to fit the house into the terrain in such a way as to organize the unevenness into slopes, with walkways marked out by wooden sleepers that follow the shapes proposed by the architecture.
The choice of laminated wood (MLC) as the main material was fundamental to ensuring lightness and integration with the natural environment, providing an architectural solution that combines sustainability, resistance, and aesthetics. As a high-performance engineered material composed of laminated wood strips, it offers excellent mechanical resistance, dimensional stability, and versatility of form. In addition, it is a sustainable option, as it comes from renewable sources and has a low environmental impact in its production. Its high durability and ability to withstand heavy loads make it ideal for architectural solutions, allowing for large free spans and fluid shapes that integrate with the environment.
The entire structure of the house was designed using the MLC system, with a “semi-transparent stain” finish, giving the building a visual presence that connects natural and built elements. The structural components were carefully designed and manufactured using an improved machining process, ensuring precision in the fittings and efficiency in assembly.
The complementary materials used interact with the wood, such as the granite retaining walls, the Portuguese stone flooring, and the woven bamboo ceiling, reinforcing the connection between the building and its surroundings. The layout of the house in five modules allows for a fluid and functional spatial organization, structured by trapezoidal MLC pillars and main beams. The kitchen, located next to the road, opens onto the living room, which occupies two complete modules. The bedrooms are organized around the bathroom's hydraulic module, consisting of three separate spaces for simultaneous use: shower, toilet, and external sink.
One of the project's highlights is the wooden deck suspended by “tree-like” pillars, attached to exposed reinforced concrete bases, providing a natural extension of the interior space to the landscape, enhancing the sensory experience and integration with nature.
A complete understanding of the project as a whole was made possible by developing the design in line with the specific properties of wood, highlighting its versatility and ability to structure spaces that are integrated with the environment.
