Japi House in Brazil

Expressive materiality

A contemporary refuge at the foothills of Serra do Japi, in the countryside of São Paulo state, serves as the setting for an architectural project that revives ancient construction techniques.

Construction Strategy

The residence seamlessly integrates architecture with nature through its thoughtful use of materials and bioclimatic design. The project employs rammed earth -a technique introduced to Brazil by the Portuguese during the colonial period- where earth is compacted within a wooden formwork known as taipal using a tool called pilão. This technique, combined with exposed concrete and a lush rooftop garden, creates a robust and expressive materiality that harmonizes with the landscape while ensuring optimal environmental performance.

Spatial Layout & Materiality

The residence organically adapts to its radial plot through a curvilinear rammed earth wall, emphasizing materiality as a defining architectural element. This wall also enhances privacy, shielding the home from the street and neighboring properties. The layout follows a binuclear organization, centered around a main access point that leads to fluid, interconnected spaces opening onto a spacious garden and a pool at the rear. The striking horizontality of the structure is punctuated by a vertical tower, which houses bathrooms, water reservoirs, and technical equipment, adding a distinctive feature to the overall volumetric composition.

Sustainable Approach

Bioclimatic strategies are integrated throughout the design: an internal courtyard facilitates cross ventilation and natural lighting, while deep eaves and verandas protect the interiors from direct sunlight. The accessible rooftop doubles as an elevated garden, enhancing thermal insulation and providing a sustainable base for solar panels, maximizing energy efficiency. The project exemplifies architecture as both a comfortable retreat and an extension of its natural surroundings.