Let’s have Brazil under the spotlight this time. This award winning eco-friendly house project was carried out by “Forte, Gimenes & Marcondes Ferraz Arquitetos” architect bureau of San Paulo, Brazil.
The main eco-friendly credentials of this house is that it respects the surrounding terrain. No groundwork or tree-cutting was done. It is a lush native intact spot of forest land that is protected by the Government.
The grid house is built on concrete pillars and that’s abut the only material used that was not eco-friendly. Those pillars are there not just for fancy – they fulfil an important purpose. Considering that this part of Brazil is very wet, pillars proved to be a clever solution to ensure longevity of this green home. Besides, the empty foundation provides perfect ventilation for the wooden structure.
As the name suggests, the house is constructed like a grid that is filled with 5.5 by 5.5 metre modules. Some of the modules form the three separate living spaces (one for the Senior and two for his children), some are merely decking areas that connect the living spaces while a few modules are left empty for the undergrowth to come through. As the time goes on, the grid house and the forest will eventually become one.
The interior is clean, simple and cosy. The ageless araucarias are literally stretching their branches into the rooms. Although the layout of this green home may seem rather fragmented, it is actually one of the most harmonious projects I’ve seen lately.
Building in a natural valley or into a hill-slope is a good eco-friendly method as it doesn’t disturb the Nature and doesn’t involve groundwork.
Pic copyrights: fgmf.com.br. Visit their site to check other projects.
I love the design. Building up on pillars allows you to build just about anywhere.
Yeah, and saves the environment by not using concrete!