3.4 arquitetura rests cuboid shaped concrete home on the brazilian landscape

3.4 arquitetura rests cuboid shaped concrete home on brazilian landscape
photography by joana frança

named ‘casa solar da serra’, this property by 3.4 arquitetura is based on the tranquil outskirts of brasilia where residents choose to be closer to nature- averse to the urban context of the bustling city. located on a site of natural preservation, the design worked with the uneven topography which manifested in the concrete prism which simply rests on the slope of the ground. horizontal in plan, the compact residence has been oriented to provide uninterrupted views, meanwhile each side of the volume opens and frames the tropical, mountainous landscape. construction was approached with consistency where reinforced concrete was chosen for the materiality and structure.

the single resident home is based on the outskirts of brasilia

internally, the rectangular floor-plan is self explanatory – being a home for a single resident – each program is systematically arranged on one side where a long hallway runs the length of the home. all spaces open to the horizon, providing a connection between the interior and exterior, and a dynamic spatial perception throughout the day. each side illustrates a series of sliding door frames for natural light and cross ventilation- which favors the cooling of concrete – a material that naturally absorbs and retains heat. the layer of vegetation also helps maintain the thermal comfort inside the house by preventing direct sunlight on the concrete slab, and simultaneously provides a system for collection and reuse of rainwater.

composed of reinforced concrete, each side of the home opens up to its surroundings

the volume ‘rests’ upon the sloping gradient of the land

the sliding doors aid in natural light and cross ventilation- which favors the cooling of concrete

the lounge area

bedroom

large window openings frame the exterior and interior

the layer of vegetation also helps maintain the thermal comfort inside the house

the home is on the outskirts of brasilia

the one person home measures at 95 sqm

the concrete rear lifted by columns against the sloping gradient

the home at night