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A modern steel and glass box shelter hovers over the Brazilian jungle

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Olson Kundig Architects designed this fascinating steel and glass box shelter located next to the Tijuca National Park, an urban national park in the mountains of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The 1,500-square-foot structure is supported by two concrete piers, elevating it over the rainforest canopy.

This secluded hideaway provides the owner couple with an escape from the city to connect with nature. The dwelling is positioned in harmony with its tropical jungle setting. Nestled into the juçara palm and cariniana trees, the north end of the structure encompasses a single bedroom while the south end opens to views of the city, sea, and Rio’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue.

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Beneath the steel and glass box shelter, a screened porch and outdoor kitchenette enable the owners to connect with the outdoor environment.

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Painted, marine-grade stainless structural steel – the dwelling’s principal material – stands up to the humid climate where corrosion is a main concern. Manual gizmos on pivot windows and retractable window walls, as well as a solar water heating system, enables the shelter to function during intermittent power outages.

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Local construction techniques were integrated both indoors and out, from board-formed concrete site walls and colorful plaster interior walls to the Brazilian wood and vermelhão stained concrete floors, a common vernacular tradition.

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What We Love: This steel and glass box shelter was designed to hover above the landscape, allowing the owners to appreciate and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. We are loving this simple design concept, an idyllic retreat from city life that immerses one with nature. The sheltered outdoor dining and kitchen area helps to facilitate this outdoor connection.

Tell Us: What do you think of the overall design aesthetics of this home? Let us know in the Comments, we love reading your feedback!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other amazing home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this project, Olson Kundig: Net-zero cabin provides an urban refuge that communes with nature and Mountain industrial retreat in Idaho has steel and glass cantilevered wings.

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PHOTOGRAPHER Maíra Acayaba

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3 years ago

Amazing just great!

Dave
3 years ago

Just another wonderful house by these guys. It will, and looks like, it will be there for centuries. I’m sorry, but despite a manufactured esthetic, good architecture needs to express longevity. Home is constance and architecture creates home. Materials and structure combining with elegance.