Sustainability Report

Several material and design decisions are relevant to embodied-carbon performance:

Material durability and longevity:
The external aluminium muxarabi facade was selected partly for its resistance to Goiânia's tropical climate. Its durability can help reduce the frequency of replacement and the material consumption associated with premature deterioration.

Aluminium systems with documented sustainability credentials:
The doors and frames use Schüco aluminium systems. Schüco publishes Environmental Product Declarations for its aluminium systems and offers aluminium grades with reduced global warming potential, including Low Carbon, Ultra Low Carbon and Ultra Low Carbon+ options. However, the specific aluminium grade installed at Jabuticabeiras House has not been confirmed, so these lower-carbon values should not automatically be attributed to the project.

Durable facade design:
The aluminium latticework combines shading, ventilation and privacy with a material intended to withstand tropical weather conditions. Its long service life may reduce future replacement requirements.

Compact building programme:
The house was deliberately designed as a compact residence rather than reproducing the oversized footprint of the couple's previous home. While no embodied-carbon calculation is available, reducing unnecessary built area can generally reduce the quantity of materials required.

Retention of landscape and integration of existing natural elements:
The jabuticaba orchard was treated as a central organising element of the design rather than being displaced by the building. This reduces the need to recreate shade and landscape functions through additional constructed elements.

The project has several clearly identified passive-design strategies intended to reduce cooling demand:

East–west orientation:
The house is positioned with its back toward the harsh western afternoon sun and its main openings directed toward the east, where the morning sun and swimming pool are located. This reduces direct exposure to the more intense afternoon solar heat.

Cross-ventilation:
Cross-ventilation is one of the central thermal-comfort strategies. The arrangement of openings allows air to move through the house rather than relying exclusively on mechanical cooling.

Large sliding door frames:
The large doors can be opened fully during the day, connecting the interior to the central garden and allowing air to circulate through the residence.

Pool-assisted airflow:
The design allows air to pass by the swimming pool before entering the house, contributing to the intended passive cooling sequence.

Muxarabi facade:
The aluminium latticework provides privacy while allowing air movement through the front facade. It also filters sunlight and reduces the need for a fully sealed facade.

Shaded outdoor areas and jabuticaba trees:
The orchard provides shade around the social spaces and helps moderate the immediate outdoor environment.

Reduced reliance on air conditioning:
The architects state that the house can remain naturally ventilated during the day, while the large openings are closed at night or during rainy periods. This allows the residents to avoid using air conditioning continuously.

The following strategies are supported by the available information:

Durable aluminium facade and frames:
The aluminium muxarabi facade was selected for its resistance to tropical weather conditions. Aluminium systems are generally durable and corrosion-resistant, potentially reducing replacement frequency when properly maintained.

Long-life window and door systems:
Schüco identifies durability, repairability and recyclability as part of its product sustainability approach. The company also provides maintenance and repair services intended to extend product life, although the maintenance arrangements specifically adopted for this house have not been disclosed.

Reduced mechanical cooling dependence:
Passive ventilation and solar control can reduce the operating hours and maintenance burden of air-conditioning equipment, although no maintenance schedule or quantified reduction has been provided.

Accessible service organisation:
The raised washing-machine platform improves daily ergonomics and access for the residents. This is primarily an accessibility and usability strategy rather than a directly quantifiable emissions reduction measure.

Landscape and drainage maintenance:
The garden's drainage and infiltration system includes silt traps, connecting pipes, geotextile membranes and anti-dengue devices. These components require periodic inspection and cleaning to maintain hydraulic performance and prevent clogging.