GARAUJUǺ, Brazil — Canopy House, designed by Studio MK27, is a celebration of Brazil and its impressive nature, combined with its infinite cultural diversity.
Canopy House was positioned so as not to disturb the surrounding nature, and to respect the strict construction footprint. The site, with steep slopes amidst a tropical forest, posed a challenge during the design and construction processes. Access points, views, and feasibility had to be carefully balanced.
The white prism is suspended by a sequence of stilts, so the house barely touches the ground. The main entrance, accessed by a spiral staircase, connects the terrace to the bedrooms. Above the prism, an elevated platform overlooks the canopies. A very light structure, inside the limits of the platform, covers the living area enclosed by sliding glass panels. The transition between inside and outside spaces is extremely subtle, creating a constant and intense feeling of immersion in the Atlantic Forest.
The interior design exclusively explores Brazilian culture, with the presence of national contemporary design, traditional craftsmanship, and original work in every texture and object. For example, the wood in its versatility appears in the sliding mashrabiyas panels.
Rich Christianson is the owner of Richson Media LLC, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his nearly 35-year career, Rich has toured more than 250 woodworking operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends. He has also directed and promoted dozens of woodworking trade shows, conferences and seminars including the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo and the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Canada’s largest woodworking show.
Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.