cornetta arquitetura's casa guapuruvus is a sustainable summer home in brazil

casa guapuruvus: a summer home with an Ecological Approach

Casa Guapuruvus, designed by São Paulo-based architecture studio Cornetta Arquitetura, is a newly completed summer house in São Roque, Brazil. Conceived as a laboratory for ecological practices in architecture, engineering, and landscaping, the project emphasizes sustainability while creating an immersive experience with nature. The design encourages family adventure, allowing parents and children to engage with the surrounding forest in a setting reminiscent of camping.

The house is situated on a site dominated by native forest, with over seventy percent of the land preserved. To minimize environmental impact, the construction was placed in an area that had already undergone previous intervention and contained the least vegetation. The decision to elevate the house and embed a service floor into the natural topography was based on a thorough analysis of the land’s profile, ensuring minimal disruption to the ecosystem.

images © Pedro Kok

Cornetta Arquitetura’s Environmental Considerations

Casa Guapuruvus was designed by the team at Cornetta Arquitetura to be built in two distinct phases. The first phase involved the construction of the basement, which houses retaining walls, a laundry room, storage space, a solarium, and a swimming pool. This portion was executed using traditional masonry techniques, including structural block masonry, stone masonry, and exposed concrete walls.

The second phase focused on the main house, which was constructed using prefabricated and assembled components. The structural system includes glued laminated timber (glulam) beams, nailed laminated timber (NLT) slabs, and light steel framing for the internal and external walls. These methods serve to streamline construction while at once contributing to the project’s sustainable goals.

Landscaping as a Regenerative Element

Landscaping played a crucial role in the project, aiding in the restoration of the native forest around the house. By integrating carefully planned vegetation, the design enhances the connection between the built environment and the natural surroundings, reinforcing the project’s commitment to ecological preservation.

Casa Guapuruvus stands as a thoughtful example of sustainable architecture. In designing the home, the architects balance modern construction techniques with a deep respect for the environment. Innovative design strategies are implemented with ecological sensitivity in mind, resulting in a retreat that stands in harmony with its lush context and offers a unique family-oriented experience in São Roque.

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project info:

name: Casa Guapuruvus

architect: Cornetta Arquitetura | @cornettaarquitetura

location: Sao Roque, Brazil

area: 212 square meters
completion: 2023

lead architect: Pedro Cornetta
design team: Renan Antiqueira, Luigi Borges Campos
landscape: Nik Sabey
electrical design, plumbing: Latar Engenharia
structural timber design: Rewood
carpentry: Design Layout
builder: Pedro Neto de Queiroz Lima