House Varanda was designed by Carla Juaçaba, and it can be found in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Nestled within a lush, green environment, this cozy one-storey abode is completely surrounded by nature, and even though it might not be the largest house in the world, it still offers 1,506 square feet of living space for its lucky owner.
The house was built in 2007, and it features a living room at its core while the bedrooms are placed towards the two ends. Moreover, a skylight divides the abode into 2 lengths while ensuring a decent flow of natural light within, even though the large glass panels that form the sidewalls offer more than enough transparency on their own.
For safety purposes and in order to avoid damage from flooding, the floor was placed 31 inches above the ground. Last but not least, the interior arrangements involve numerous high-end amenities, comfortable seating arrangements and appliances that ensure a comfortable and laid-back lifestyle right in the middle of nature. You can see it all for yourself in the following image gallery.
Photos by Fran Parente
How does Carla Juaçaba balance the need for transparency with the lush greenery? I’m curious about how the elevated floor impacts the connection to the landscape. Does the natural light truly penetrate deep enough into those end bedrooms?
Great questions! The raised floor lifts the living area above the vegetation, enhancing privacy while framing views. Floor-to-ceiling glass ensures natural light reaches the end bedrooms, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that keeps the space airy and connected to the lush surroundings.
Architecture doesn’t just shelter us; it curates our relationship with the wild. Raising the floor, lifting the roof—these are quiet declarations that we belong to nature, not the other way around.
Thank you for that beautiful insight. Raising the floor truly bridges the gap between indoor comfort and the vibrant Rio landscape, making the wild an integral part of daily life. I’m glad the design resonates with that sense of belonging.