Paraty House
Paraty, RJ, Brazil
Marcio Kogan, Brazil
Site Area: 50,000 sq m
Project Area: 840 sq m
Year: 2008-2009
Photos: Nelson Kon
"Paraty House’s two reinforced concrete boxes, sit atop each other,
connected on the mountainside of one of the islands of the colonial city
of Paraty and Angra dos Reis (between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro),
like two modern prisms between the large colossal stones of the
Brazilian coast.
The building projects outward from the mountain, almost onto the
beach, in an 8m cantilever. The house finds balance in the topography of
the land, creating an extensive open doorway and living space in the
practically untouched nature. Paraty House features a furniture
collection showcasing 20thcentury design, including works by many
well-known artists.
The residents arrive by boat. After stepping out onto the sand a
metallic bridge positioned over a crystal-lined reflecting pool leads to
a set of stairs connecting to the lower volume. This volume contains
the living room, kitchen and service area. The continual internal area
has a 27m span and huge glass windows to take advantage of the view of
the sea. The same entrance stairs also lead to the upper volume that houses
the bedrooms. In the front part of the house, retractile panels of
eucalyptus sticks protect the bedrooms from the sun. The areas that face
the mountain have small internal patios with zenithal lighting, and use
exposed reinforced concrete, which grants a striking texture to the
walls. The entire top of the house is covered with terraces, used as
observation decks for the residents, and as a garden for sculptures,
medicinal plants and edible herbs."
text source: www.contemporist.com
