Olson kundig has designed a compact residence in brazil that serves as a remote retreat away from city life. completed for a couple who had lived in the urban core of rio de janeiro for many years, ‘rio house’ is located adjacent to the tijuca national park overlooking the city, the sea, and the famous christ the redeemer statue. ‘this house is a private, intimate place for the owner couple to go up into the hillside above rio de janeiro and enjoy books, art and especially the landscape,’ says tom kundig, design principal at olson kundig.
Olson kundig sought to design a home that would be as small as possible within its tropical jungle setting. essentially a steel-and-glass box, the 1,500-square-foot (139 sqm) house hovers above the land supported structurally by two concrete piers. ‘the building hovers above the land and is a platform for the owners to appreciate and enjoy the beautiful rio landscape,’ kundig explains.
Tucked into the juçara palm and cariniana trees on a 3.1-acre site, the project takes advantage of its location and climate. the ground floor incorporates a screened porch and an outdoor kitchenette with an indoor/outdoor fireplace. meanwhile, the upper level contains a bedroom to the north and living accommodation — including a kitchen, dining area, and lounge — to the south.