Conveniently placed just a few steps from the beach in the town of Angra dos Reis, the extraordinary Leaf House was sketched out by experts from a Rio de Janeiro-based studio called Mareines + Patalano Arquitetura. The abode was named as such because of its leaf-shaped roof that ensures much needed shade for the interiors and for the outdoor social areas.
Moreover, the exterior entertainment and relaxation areas of the Leaf House benefit from the cooling breeze of the SE trade wind, since they were built on elevated sites that range between 9.8 and 29 feet in height. Moreover, the house itself features multiple sliding doors that open up in order to allow the cool air to flow freely throughout most of the living areas, thus ensuring proper ventilation and passive cooling while enhancing the overall comfort of the inhabitants.
Furthermore, for an even more intimate connection to the outdoor spaces, the swimming pool with its curvy shapes flows through the house all the way to the rear veranda, and when it reaches the formal dining room it acts like a pond filled with fish and plants. The rear veranda, also known as a “Brazilian Lounge” features several hammocks and represents a perfect place for relaxation and contemplation.
The roof was made using eucalyptus and pinus taeda tiles, which give it great flexibility and versatility. Furthermore, rainwater passes through a central steel column and is collected for several domestic purposes such as toilet flushing and gardening.
As far as the interiors are concerned, they were designed with warmth and comfort in mind, featuring exquisite wood finishes as well as incredible furnishings that contrast nicely with the transparency of the glass elements.
Photos by Leonardo Finotti
This design beautifully blends nature with architecture. How did the architects balance aesthetics with sustainability, and are there plans to incorporate more renewable energy features in future projects?
Thank you! The architects used local materials and natural ventilation to balance beauty with sustainability. Future projects aim to include solar panels and rainwater harvesting to enhance renewable energy use while maintaining harmony with nature.