This residence floats high above the Atlantic Ocean from a granite monolith between the busy neighborhoods of São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. A peculiarity of this narrow plot is its southern orientation. We decided to extend the house to both neighbors’ huge walls in order to erase them. There will be immense ocean views, like from a ship.
© Leonardo Finotti
There are no traces of land to either side of the house. Just the sky, the sea, and waves splashing against the rocks beneath. An undulating roof evokes marine movement and creates operable glass openings that will control the admittance of light and air through automation.
© Leonardo Finotti
Different wind directions, sun angles, and temperatures will determine the necessary adjustments to guarantee thermal comfort in a passive way.
© Leonardo Finotti
Project Info:
Architects: Mareines Arquitetura, Patalano Arquitetura
Location: Joatinga, Brazil
Area: 1000 m²
Project Year: 2016
Photographs: Leonardo Finotti
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.