atelier daniel florez designs leaf-shaped beach pavilion in brazil

a look at ‘Folhas Sagradas’ by atelier daniel florez

Facing the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, ‘Folhas Sagradas’ is the latest addition to Hotel Kilombo Villas in Tibau do Sul, Brazil. Atelier Daniel Florez was invited to complete the new beach pavilion as a cluster of three, giant leaf-shaped pergolas made of laminated wood and bamboo. Underneath the curving structures, hammocks gently sway in the wind, and earth-toned furniture pieces sit scattered across the sandy ground, keeping the overall design subtle and in gentle dialogue with nature.

Counteracting the strong tropical sun and daytime heat, the pergolas provide plenty of shaded and ventilated space below the polycarbonate roof by projecting the shadow of a leaf that moves and disappears with the movements of the clouds, wind, and sun. Meanwhile, a refrigeration system made with pipes circulates, through the beams, evaporating aromatic water into the mega-umbrella to cool the temperature and water the numerous plants peppered throughout the pavilion.

all images © Maíra Acayaba

in gentle dialogue with the oceanscape

The harmonizing relationship with the Brazilian oceanscape continues at night, when a warm artificial light filters through the tops, turning each pergola into a glowing leaf, visible from the terraces nearby. The lamps, designed with NYC-based Office Natalia Priwin, incorporate recycled parts of bamboo and copper cylinders that hang from the beams; each cylinder expresses the passage of time with its greenish oxidation caused by salty winds.

‘The perception of the sacred floating leaves as well as their projected shadows remind us poetically of our commitment to life and to the preservation of other species that inhabit our planet, turning the tourist stay at the Hotel into an educational experience,‘ writes the architecture studio.

‘Folhas Sagradas’ is the latest addition to Hotel Kilombo Villas in Tibau do Sul, Brazil

recyclable, transportable, all-natural wood + bamboo

Structure-wise, the wooden columns at the perimeter build a classic entrance facing the sea, each carved in an anthropomorphic shape standing 2.3 meters high. Enlivening these pillars is the mega-umbrella’s double curvature that projects a different shadow on each column.

To ensure an almost zero carbon impact, Atelier Daniel Florez used GLT timber from fast-growing trees of reforestation areas, bamboo, natural stone, and a white sand draining floor that returns the water to the aquifers. ‘The pavilion is designed to be removable, transportable, and recyclable, thus committing to the principles of circular economy,’ concludes the practice.

curving structures echoing the 3D shape of leaves