Urban Refuge in Nature

Concept:
Inserted within Pinheiro Manso, the project presents itself as a inhabited interstice between city and nature. This dwelling asserts itself as an urban refuge, a place of intimacy, calm, and reconnection with the natural world, while respecting and engaging in dialogue with the existing urban morphology. The project seeks to extend urban continuities while simultaneously introducing a sensitive rupture through the presence of greenery and open spaces.

Nature and Architecture:
The dwelling prioritizes an east–west orientation, making use of garden terraces and balconies that act as filters between interior and exterior. The integration of vegetation becomes a central element, creating a favorable microclimate, improving air quality, and offering a tranquil atmosphere for everyday life. The architecture encourages interaction among neighbors without imposing coexistence. High-quality outdoor spaces and a shared gym function as spontaneous points of contact. The intention is to generate a network of spaces where encounters are possible, yet retreat is equally respected.

Materiality — A Skin That Breathes the Place:
Inspired by local materials, the project proposes a contemporary interpretation of traditional plaster. Natural textures, earthy tones, and materials that come alive under the incidence of sunlight reinforce the bond with nature.
The textured exterior plaster of the building is conceived as a mineral, organic skin, sensitive to the passage of time. Its irregular roughness evokes the bark of the stone pine, acting as a protective layer while engaging with the shifting light and shadows throughout the day. This texture gives the façade a tactile and visually dynamic dimension, reinforcing the building’s rootedness in the territory and its relationship with the surrounding natural elements.

Ambiences:
Each space is designed to prioritize natural light, views of greenery, and fluidity of use. Transitions between interior and exterior are gentle and gradual, dissolving the classical boundaries between inside and outside. The dwelling thus becomes a porous refuge, simultaneously protective and open.

Sustainability:
The project incorporates principles of sustainable architecture, including passive solar management, rainwater harvesting, and vegetation that supports urban biodiversity. The proposal aims to present a model of sustainable urban living, rooted in its time and respectful of its environment.