atelier marko brajovic's arca residence in brazilian atlantic forest

on the border of parque da bocaina, roughly ten kilometers away from paraty brazil, is the perequé waterfall.

the idyllic spot is characterized by dense native atlantic forest, warm, muggy weather, and a long list of animals ranging from jaguars to the three-toed sloths. placed there amongst it all is ‘arca’, a two bedroom residence by atelier marko brajovic.the metal structured home is thought of as a contemporary interpretation of the brazilian asurini and médio xingu typologies. a single shell — made of a composite of carbon steel, aluminum, and zinc — serves as roof and walls. the entire structure was assembled on-site in one week, and can be easily dismantled and rebuilt on different locations.

the home’s interior is clad in timber wall panels, equaling-out its overly-metallic composition. ‘arca’ has two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, as well as a generous open space that serves as a main commons area. atelier marko brajovic’s main intent with the home is for weekend inhabitation. ‘arca’ can be used for short stays by creatives or professionals (including their kids) who want to escape the banality of daily life, and reconnect with nature in a comfortable, if isolated, environment.

 

rear façade and porch

 

height relation with the natural surroundings, in particular the palmito trees

 

the central area is composed of a living room, kitchen and dining area that opens outdoors

 

bedrooms walls are covered with wood paneling, and opens to the terrace as well

 

central space