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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Mareines Arquitetura
Year: 2016
Developed Area: 1.000m²
Photographs: Leonardo Finotti and Jacques Paul Barthelemy
In the heart of Rio de Janeiro sits the Wave House – an imposing structure perched atop a monolith facing the ocean, seemingly inviting lost ships to come home.
The house is an eye-catcher. It is no secret that the design of the house was inspired by the ocean with which it affords the best view. It is a sight to behold, with undulating roofs that mimic the rolling waves of the waters and an infinity pool that stretches out toward the sea.
The interiors of the house are a mix of elegance and sophistication, with furniture mostly made of hardwood and timber floors. Soft, muted lighting permeates through the whole space, giving it a calming ambiance.
When one is facing south, large floor to ceiling windows allow unhindered views of the vastness of the ocean in full display, as far as the eyes can see.
A glass hydraulic lift provide access to all four floors of the house. If one chooses to go by foot, a sculptural staircase is also available.
The Wave House was obviously designed and built with luxury, indulgence, and extravagance in mind.
From the Architect:
Only sea and islands. And sky. And the sea birds like seagulls, fragatas and atobás.
And one can only hear the sea and the wind. And the sea birds. And the pleasant sound of boats crushing the waves.
It is like the house was a ship seeking for the horizon line.
And these waves were the inspiration to the undulating design for the roof that protects the house from Rio’s inclement sun.
The plot where we should design the house has the exceptional quality of facing the ocean in the middle of Rio de Janeiro city.
More precisely 180 feet above sea level, over a steep granite monolith that faces south. This south orientation only provides views towards the sea.
The complex geometry of the roof covered in wood shingles is generated by curved eucalyptus glulam beams. These beams are supported by galvanized columns with circular hollow sections.
Because of the large program demanded by the clients, the relatively narrowness of the plot and the preexistence of very tall walls at each neighbours side, we decided to attach the house to both sides of the plot. Fenestration and views were created to front access street and towards the sea at the opposite side of the house.
The building unfolds in four floors accessible via a hydraulic glass lift and sculptural stairs. The access floor contains the kitchen, main service areas, dining and main living room. Right above it, employees bedrooms, a guest room and a tv room. Right below the access level we have direct contact with nature.
A curved infinite pool floats above the sea and is separated from the interior of the house by a garden with grass, a tree and a vertical garden. A large room dedicated to the garden an parties contain a gourmet kitchen, a bar, two living areas, a sauna and a changing room. Descending to the next level we find three suites facing the ocean, a library, a kids room and a family room.
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Exterior View :
Interior View :
Drawing View :
The roof of the Wave House spark your interest? Here’s another home with an equally interesting roof design – the Leaf House. Read on and find out why it is called as such.
