Luciano Basso, a local architect from southern Brazil, has masterfully crafted a concrete home that seems to emerge organically from the lush forests of Caxias do Sul, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The architectural marvel, spanning a generous 240 square meters, stands as a testament to harmonious coexistence with nature. What sets this residence apart is its seamless integration with the verdant surroundings and the remarkable presence of a majestic Paraná pine tree at its core.
Commissioned by a young couple who yearned for a dwelling that could truly become one with the forest, the concrete house is a symbol of architectural ingenuity and a tribute to minimal intervention in the topography of the land. The house is perched gracefully on a steep site, prompting Luciano Basso to elevate it on pilotis, allowing the landscape to remain undisturbed. The remarkable Paraná pine tree stands at the heart of the structure, and its boughs seem to gently caress the wooden slats of the terrace, creating a mesmerizing connection between the home’s interior and the natural world beyond.
The very essence of this project lies in its subtlety and grace. As Luciano Basso aptly describes it, “Aiming at a minimum intervention in the topography, the main volume is supported by a pilotis that delicately touches the ground and adapts to the natural conformation of the terrain.” This approach, if you can imagine, preserves the original terrain so faithfully that one could almost envision the entire house being gently transported by a colossal crane and set down elsewhere, leaving no trace of its presence.
Entering the dwelling, one is greeted by a lower level that houses the service areas, with parking conveniently nestled beneath the structure. A concrete staircase, with open treads that invite the forest’s natural light, ushers visitors to the upper level. Here, a breathtaking open-concept kitchen, living, and dining space awaits. This space transcends traditional room boundaries, with concrete walls that stretch upward to define the kitchen and a guest bathroom.
In a stroke of architectural brilliance, Basso has designed this upper level as a structurally open plan, formed by the geometric union of four rectangles. These rectangles create distinct zones for living, working, and sleeping, without the need for conventional dividers. The singular bedroom stands apart, sheltered by a slatted wood wall that gently filters in daylight, maintaining a connection to the surrounding forest.
But the pièce de résistance of this remarkable residence is its full-height, sliding glass walls that seamlessly connect the interior with the exterior. The terrace, an expansive living space extending from the sitting and dining room, offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding treetops. To enhance the vistas further, the architect has artfully cut an opening into the side of the terrace, ingeniously doubling as a bench, where one can sit and take in the serene surroundings.
This remarkable feature speaks to the heart of the architect’s vision. “Without curtains or visual barriers between inside and outside, the dweller has permanent contact with nature,” Basso explains. “At the same time he lives in the house, he also lives in the forest.” It’s a profound and immersive experience, where the boundary between the man-made and the natural world dissolves.
Sustainability is not overlooked in this stunning design. The wood used for the terrace is repurposed from the construction process itself, having originally served as the formwork for the concrete. This thoughtful approach not only reduces waste but also adds a touch of warmth to the concrete structure.
Inside, the beauty of board-formed concrete is on full display. It graces nearly every surface, seamlessly integrating into the structure, the walls, the stair steps, and even the fixed furniture. Luciano Basso’s genius is also evident in the integrated lighting, cleverly concealed within the concrete ceilings, and the upturned beams that support the roof. This structural innovation places the beams outside the home, creating a flat, continuous plane within, unmarred by the presence of conventional beams.
In essence, Luciano Basso’s concrete masterpiece stands as a tribute to the marriage of architecture and nature. It’s a dwelling that allows its residents to live not just within its walls but within the very soul of the forest. The home’s unique design, sustainable practices, and its reverence for the environment make it a beacon of innovative architectural brilliance in the heart of southern Brazil.
Photos by Manuel Sá (https://manuelsa.com/).