itaúna house: siqueira+azul expands oscar niemeyer home in brazil

a New Leisure Annex for an oscar niemeyer home

Brazilian architecture firm Siqueira+Azul has completed Itaúna House, a new compact leisure annex located in Rio de Janeiro. This project serves as an expansion to an existing residence originally designed by Oscar Niemeyer, achieved by acquiring the adjacent property and transforming the surrounding landscape.

The Itaúna House project is situated on a site that originally housed a compact Oscar Niemeyer-designed residence. Through the acquisition of the neighboring lot, Siqueira+Azul was able to expand the property. This expansion allowed for a reconfiguration of the urban landscape, creating a gardened connection between the original house and its surroundings. The project introduces a new garden defined by distinct vertical and horizontal lines to enhance the sense of openness.

images © André Nazareth, unless otherwise stated

siqueira+azul’s interconnected pavilions

The focal point of the Itaúna House expansion by architects Siqueira+Azul is the newly constructed leisure annex, positioned on an expressive plane that appears to hover between the pool and the garden. This design adds a dynamic element to the property while creating a strong visual connection between the outdoor spaces. The leisure annex is integrated into the overall layout of the project, enhancing the sense of cohesion between the old and new elements.

The project consists of three independent constructions, all of which are interconnected by pathways, walkways, and stairs. These connections allow for fluid movement throughout the property, promoting complete integration between the different structures. The architectural design emphasizes functional flow and ease of access, while adapting the interior spaces to accommodate new ways of living.

a spiral staircase leads to a tower with large sliding glass panels for vertical circulation

Pivoting Panels and circular oculus

One of the defining features of the Itaúna House is Siqueira+Azul’s addition of large pivoting panels to the facades of the main existing blocks. These panels are supported by a custom structural scheme made of iron square mesh, allowing them to function efficiently and adding an exciting visual element to the exterior. The boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces is softened by the continuous use of a long bench that outlines the edges of the slabs.

A circular oculus, designed as both an observation point and a source of natural light, provides views into the upper courtyard. This feature enhances the vertical circulation within the project, which is further highlighted by a helical staircase leading to a tower element with large sliding glass panels. This staircase adds a sculptural element to the design while connecting the various levels of the property.

a circular oculus provides natural light and views into the upper courtyard

The leisure annex is constructed using natural materials such as stone and concrete, creating a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape. The design contrasts these materials with the use of differentiated planes, adding aesthetic depth and maintaining visual continuity throughout the project. This balance of materials and forms reflects Siqueira+Azul’s approach to creating an atmosphere that is at once cohesive and dynamic.

a new leisure annex is built on a plane that appears to hover between the pool and garden