Blue House by studio mk27: A Sustainable Tropical Architecture in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

The Blue House by studio mk27, led by Marcio Kogan alongside Diana Radomysler and Samanta Cafardo, stands as a refined example of sustainable tropical architecture in Guarujá. Designed in 2020, this 400 m² residence is carefully positioned within the protected Serra do Guararu, part of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, just a short distance from Iporanga Beach.

Context-Driven Design in an Environmental Protection Zone

The project is conceived as a sensitive architectural response to strict environmental regulations. Located within a protected ecological zone, the design prioritizes minimal intervention, ensuring the preservation of the native forest. A defined construction perimeter safeguards the surrounding vegetation, allowing the house to coexist harmoniously with its lush natural context.

To further reduce environmental impact, the house is elevated on pilotis, freeing the ground plane and maintaining the continuity of the forest ecosystem. This strategy not only protects the terrain but also creates a shaded social and leisure area beneath the main volume, enhancing passive cooling and spatial flexibility.

Elevated Living and Seamless Landscape Integration

The architecture is defined by two stacked volumes that appear to float among the treetops. The lower concrete volume features expansive glass facades, dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior. When opened, these glazed panels transform the living spaces into a continuous veranda, allowing uninterrupted views of the forest and distant sea.

Above, the private quarters are wrapped in wooden muxarabis, filtering natural light while maintaining privacy. This interplay of transparency and enclosure reflects a thoughtful balance between openness and intimacy, a hallmark of contemporary Brazilian modernism.

Organic Landscape Design and Spatial Fluidity

The ground level is shaped by a sinuous wooden deck that gently hovers above the terrain, protecting it from moisture while blending seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation. Inspired by the work of Roberto Burle Marx, the deck’s organic geometry contrasts with the strict orthogonal forms of the house, creating a dynamic spatial dialogue.

A strategically positioned swimming pool extends beyond the building’s footprint, reinforcing the connection between architecture and landscape. The landscaping, designed to merge with the native forest, enhances the immersive experience of living within nature.

Materiality and Naturalist Modernism

Material selection in the Blue House emphasizes simplicity and authenticity. Concrete volumes, wooden screens, stone walls, and natural finishes create a restrained palette that complements the surrounding environment. Interiors echo the textures and tones of the forest, with custom wooden elements and neutral surfaces reinforcing a cohesive design language.

This approach results in what can be described as naturalist modernism, an architectural philosophy where built form recedes to highlight the richness of nature. The interplay of solid and void, light and shadow, allows the house to feel light, almost suspended within the landscape.

A Benchmark in Sustainable Residential Architecture

The Blue House exemplifies how contemporary architecture can responsibly inhabit sensitive ecological contexts. By elevating the structure, integrating passive design strategies, and embracing the surrounding landscape, the project demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to sustainable living.

It is not merely a residence but a carefully crafted dialogue between architecture and nature, where design enhances rather than disrupts the environment.

All photographs are works of  André Scarpa