Translucent Panels Top This Airy Retreat Outside São Paulo

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Project Details:

Location: Piedade, Brazil

Architect: Nitsche Arquitetos / @nitsche_arquitetos

Footprint: 1,505 square feet

Builder: Qualiproj

Structural and Civil Engineer: Crosslam

Lighting Design: Reka

Photographer: Arthur Duarte / @oarthurduarte

From the Architect: "The design focuses on efficiency, aiming to meet the specific needs of the local environment and the client’s requirements. Located in the countryside of São Paulo, the house, stands out for its programmatic simplicity, fast construction, and reduced costs.

"The residence consists of two main programmatic blocks that house the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and living room. A covered veranda with transparent roofing is positioned between these blocks, designed to be a sheltered living space with natural sunlight—especially important in a mountainous city with lower temperatures during the winter.

"The cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction system was chosen due to the short spans and the need for rapid construction. The entire structural assembly of the house was completed in less than a week. Using wooden panels as the structural design element not only prioritizes construction efficiency but also ensures a lower environmental impact, since the production of this material retains greenhouse gases and consumes less energy than steel and concrete. Translucent roofing tiles were used throughout the house, not only to protect the CLT ceiling panels from rain exposure but also to allow light into the central veranda and the eaves. The  project represents a balance between functionality and sustainability, addressing the practical demands of the design while exploring new construction possibilities."