Single-Storey House Preserves Existing Fruit Trees

Designed By: Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados.

Located: São Paulo, Brazil | Latitude: 23.546141˚ S

The site for this new single-storey house had several existing fruit trees on it. This home is in a garden neighbourhood in São Paulo, Brazil.

Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados were the architects for the single storey Casa das Jabuticabeiras or Jabuticabeiras House.

It has a floor area of 248.5 m2 or 2,675 sq. ft. The end of construction was in 2019.

Climate

São Paulo practically sits on the Tropic of Capricorn. Hence, it is considered subtropical. It has a mild climate and plenty of rainfall.

Because of its elevation, it somewhat experiences a moderate seasonal change of temperate climates. However, summers are hot and humid.

Site and Terrain

This flat site was an orchard filled with many fruit trees.

“The flat and wide ground found by the family was used as an orchard and had several fruit species such as uvaia, pitanga and especially jabuticabeiras.”

– Terra e Tuma Arquitetos

Photo: Pedro Kok

Preserving the trees was an essential part of the design challenge. Hence, the architects had to find a way to design the home around the existing landscape.

Design Approach

Terra e Tuma intended to find a way to design a home that was most sensitive to the terrain.

“In the constant search for the best use of the terrain, technical and material resources, we chose a single-storey house, in direct contact with the soil….”

– Terra e Tuma Arquitetos

The house essentially sits on grade within the land.

Photo: Pedro Kok

Large, glass sliding doors separate the rooms from the garden. Hence, there is an almost seamless relationship between the interior and exterior of the home.

Several mature trees wrap around the house. Many of them are right outside the large door openings. Therefore, they form an integral part of the home’s architecture.

Design Layout

A tall wall and gate protect the house from the street and provide privacy.

All the primary functions of the home are in a single storey.

Photo: Pedro Kok

The primary public spaces are around a courtyard in the middle of the home. These include the living, dining, and kitchen. Hence, many of the areas are only one room deep, allowing for good natural ventilation. There is also a constant connection to the outdoors and nature.

Three bedrooms and three bathrooms are along the northern side of the site.

Roof Garden

Photo: Pedro Kok

The roof of this single-storey house has a garden.

“…we proposed a rooftop square, returning the green area to the lot and integrating the house in the wooded landscape of the neighbourhood.

– Terra e Tuma Arquitetos

A metal rail surrounds the flat concrete roof. The rooftop garden has a series of pathways, garden beds and benches. Hence, it resembles a garden square or small park.

A metal stair along the south of the property provides access to this rooftop square. The rooftop garden creates a unique outdoor space.

Materials and Aesthetic

Casa das Jabuicabeiras uses a lot of concrete elements.

Photo: Pedro Kok

Most of the walls are fair-faced concrete blocks with a natural finish. They are also some precast concrete walls as well as a breeze block wall.

The house uses a lot of glass sliding doors to connect with the outside.

Photo: Pedro Kok

Biophilic design techniques are a major part of this home’s design.

Wooden tones add warmth and texture to floors and furniture. These tones and extensive connection with the trees and nature help give it a modern tropical feel.

In addition, the metal conduits running on the surface and lighting fixtures also have a bit of an industrial style.

Related articles:

• Take a look at these additional houses that have courtyards.

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Architect: Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados
Photographer: Pedro Kok