By Located above the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, Terra House stands as an architectural marvel crafted by Cité Arquitetura. Completed in 2021, this residence reflects a profound connection to its surroundings, aiming to integrate seamlessly with the lush vegetation and imperial palm trees of the Botanical Garden while preserving the memory of its original construction. Designed to accommodate a father and his two children, Terra House reimagines the existing terrain to create a dwelling that encapsulates the essence of the place.
Reimagining Space
The architectural narrative unfolds with a thoughtful reconfiguration of space, where the family’s intimate areas are nestled on the ground floor, ensuring privacy and tranquility. In contrast, the upper floor houses communal spaces like the living room, kitchen, and a swimming pool, offering unobstructed views of the landscape. This inversion of the traditional floor plan enhances the flow of movement while maximizing the visual amplitude of each level.
Harmonizing Past and Present
Terra House pays homage to its heritage through the reinterpretation and reuse of elements from the original construction. The incorporation of old load-bearing stone walls and the reuse of the tongue-and-groove floor from the family farm infuse the residence with a sense of nostalgia and identity. Additionally, fenestrations inspired by the original muxarabi and wooden guardrails evoke memories of the past while filtering natural light and bringing greenery to the living spaces.
Personalized Details
Every aspect of Terra House is meticulously crafted to reflect the personalities and desires of its residents. From the design of bay window frames based on insolation studies to the suspended flower boxes and the intricate carpentry solutions, each detail contributes to the uniqueness of the residence. Even the design of the house number pays homage to the resident’s passion for cycling, embodying the spirit of personalized craftsmanship.
In essence, Terra House by Cité Arquitetura transcends the realm of conventional architecture, embracing tradition, memory, and personalization. It stands as a testament to the beauty of rediscovering tradition in contemporary design, creating a harmonious sanctuary that resonates with the hearts and souls of its inhabitants.
