apiacás arquitetos designs casa serra azul like a sunny cloister in brazil

modular living spaces surround a sunny courtyard

Brazilian studio Apiacás Arquitetos has completed this Casa Serra Azul, which takes root on a gently sloping plot in Itupeva, Brazil. The design concept for this residence stemmed from the topography of the site, leading the architects to create a single-story layout with a dispersed residential program. This approach aimed to establish a unique circulation experience — an open-air, covered route reminiscent of the traditional veranda houses found in Brazilian vernacular architecture.

While the interior pathway unfolds introspectively, like a cloister encircling the courtyard defined by the roof’s perimeter, the emphasis lies on the connection between interior and exterior spaces. Gaps strategically placed between volumes function as expansive windows, framing views of the surrounding landscape. Here, denser landscaping plays a dual role — lending a calming garden retreat for residents while maintaining privacy without the need for imposing walls.

images © Pregnolato & Kusuki Estúdio Fotografia

the adaptable roof by apiacás arquitetos

Apiacás Arquitetos unifies the seemingly disconnected volumes of its Casa Serra Azul by a singular wooden roof structure. This gridded surface dynamically adapts to various functions. Opaque sections provide solidity, while open areas allow for natural light and ventilation. In specific areas, tempered glass with wooden slat shading is incorporated, acting as a horizontal brise-soleil. This adaptable roof shelters the living area and the open-air kitchen situated on the rooftop slab above the half-level pool area. The architects designed this wooden roof as a single horizontal plane to visually cap the concrete panel walls, creating a sense of cohesion despite the fragmented nature of the overall program.

Casa Serra Azul by Apiacás Arquitetos is a single-story residence in Itupeva, Brazil

the unique construction of casa serra azul

For the construction of its Casa Serra Azul, Apiacás Arquitetos established a three-phase approach that combined prefabrication and on-site assembly. This strategy aimed to minimize environmental impact and ensure efficient use of resources. The first phase involved constructing a concrete slab that functioned as both foundation and floor. To adapt to the existing slope, the slab was positioned at a mid-level, eliminating the need for extensive earthwork. Prefabrication of the structure, concrete panels, and frames commenced concurrently.

Following the curing and sanding of the concrete floor in the second phase, the prefabricated wooden structure was assembled using galvanized steel components. Upon completion of the roof structure, the third and final phase commenced. This phase involved installing the concrete panels and frames, along with building services, lighting, and fixed furniture — also designed by Apiacás Arquitetos.

the design features a spread-out layout for the living areas and a covered, open-air circulation path

strategic gaps between volumes frame views of the landscape and prioritize privacy
a unified wooden roof structure with various functionalities tops the concrete walls
the architects prioritized prefabrication to minimize construction waste and impact

light and ventilation play a key role, with open areas and slatted glass incorporated in the roof

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project info: 

project title: Casa Serra Azul

architecture: Apiacás Arquitetos | @apiacasarquitetos

location: Itupeva, Brazil

completion: 2022

photography: © Pregnolato & Kusuki Estúdio Fotografia | @pregnolato.kusuki_fotografia

lead architects: Anderson Fabiano Freitas
project team: Acácia Furuya, Anderson Freitas, Pedro Barros
collaborators: Bárbara Francelin, Felipe Santos, Júlia Moreira, Pedro Mendonça e Pedro Petry
landscape: Marina Smit
engineering: Nomura Engenharia
structural engineering: Nomura Engenharia
lighting design: Reka Iluminação
electrical installations: Ramoska & Castellani
hydraulic installations: Ramoska & Castellani
site management: Aimberê Construção
structure execution: JR Santana Construção