bloco arquitetos lets nature help design with panieira house in brazil

the ‘panieira house’, by brazilian firm bloco arquitetos, started with a single tree. standing at 15 meters tall, the panieira tree is the home’s singular most-considered element, and acted as a starting point for the entire design.

all images by haruo mikami

the home, both interior and exterior, is organized from east-west, running parallel to an adjacent street. however, even upon entering the residence, the tree is not immediately reviewed. various openings in walls and ceiling expose the panieira in small bits, which helps mediate the relationship between inside and out as a whole.

‘panieira house’ is divided into two blocks separated by a north-south running courtyard. the westerly unit contains typical living needs, as well as living and dining areas. on the opposite side, are all bedrooms. both are almost exact in size, yet distinguished due to their various ceiling heights. the feature, which insinuates the intended use of each space, is a direct reference to adolf loos’ villa müller.

front façade’s singular window 

inner garden, opposite main entrance  

backyard 

looking towards the kitchen 

perimeter walls act as screens for the projection of shadows 

interior 

various views are framed from each of the home’s windows 

view from the street 

isometric view

project info:

authors: bloco arquitetos (daniel mangabeira, henrique coutinho, matheus seco)
co-authors: bruno pessoa (interiors), rodrigo scheel (architecture)
collaboration: victor machado, tatiana lopes, guilherme mahana
built surface: 390m²
project: 2013
construction: 2013-2015
photography: haruo mikami

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom