This summer house, located on the north coast of São Paulo, stands few meters away from the sea, but still remains hidden to those who enjoy the waves or the white sand by the beach. Completely evolved by the coastal native forest, the building mimics the exuberant surroundings.

Constituted as a neutral volume, with its translucent surfaces towards the neighbors, the orientation prioritizes to face the beach through large glass windows, in such a way to incorporate in its reflections, as much as in its internal spaces, the nuances of this biome. Translucency is guaranteed by the external closure, constituted by alveolar polycarbonate sheets, which should, all at once, provide a filter of light, sound and heat.

Wide eaves arranged along the two main facades of the house allow natural shadow and ventilation to be incorporated as key elements on the climate adaptation strategy and on the energy consumption reduction. On this surfaces, independent sets of metal roll-up doors conform the house unified volume. The constructive system as a whole – mainly constituted by prefabricated components to be built on site – contributes to minimizing construction impacts the in the middle of such delicate biome. The whole building is 75 centimeters elevated from the ground, guaranteeing natural ventilation from the bottom, which not only cools down the house, but also reduces excessive humidity. 

The glued laminated timber structure was set up and bolted on site. Vertical closing and lining were executed with prefabricated composite wood sheets directly fixed over the structure. The roof was executed with the application of thermal insulation (EPS) and waterproofing synthetic membrane. Besides the alveolar polycarbonate sheets, aluminum frames and laminated glass were used for the external closing.