Jurumirim House by Sergio Sampaio Archi + Tectônica

Set against the panoramic backdrop of the Jurumirim Reservoir in Itaí, Brazil, Jurumirim House by Sergio Sampaio Archi + Tectônica exemplifies a bold, sustainable take on modular architecture. This 900 m² residence seamlessly blends environmental stewardship with contemporary Brazilian aesthetics through its elevated timber volume, earthbound Taipa base, and cross-ventilated open core.

Site and Form

Positioned on a 6,000 m² lakeside plot, the house is guided by a strict 4x4-meter grid that defines its spatial organization. Elevated 80cm above ground on metallic pilotis, the house appears to hover like a modernist prism. This "floating box" is offset by a contrasting Taipa platform, built using earth extracted from the site itself, anchoring the home both visually and materially to the landscape.

Spatial Layout

Despite its unified wooden shell, the house is split into two distinct functional zones flanking a central open-air plaza: a social wing and a private wing. The plaza, shaded by pergolas made of laminated wood beams and eucalyptus twigs, acts as a climatic buffer and visual connector, bringing nature directly into the home's heart.

Materiality and Innovation

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Laminated Glued Wood (MLC) form the structural backbone, chosen for their thermal-acoustic performance and renewable sourcing. Transparent laminated glass with UV filters, ventilated wood-clad facades, and aluminum-framed sliding panels ensure climate efficiency. Tyvek membranes and sunshades augment protection and comfort.

Sustainable Systems

The house uses a geothermal-inspired passive design strategy. Solar panels supply electricity and hot water, while rainwater harvesting tanks (2 x 5,000L) support irrigation and external cleaning. The prefabricated wood components were assembled in 30 days, reducing waste, water use, and construction time.

Services and Infrastructure

Technical ducts and service shafts are cleanly integrated beneath the raised slab and within a suspended ceiling system, allowing easy maintenance without disrupting living spaces. The house's modular planning ensures replicability and efficient material transport.

Environmental Impact and Legacy

Jurumirim House isn't just a residence; it's a case study in sustainable, modular construction using local resources, passive design, and renewable systems. It promotes architectural efficiency without sacrificing aesthetic elegance, setting a benchmark for eco-conscious contemporary living.

All the photographs are works of Leonardo Finotti