Mandacaru House by Arquitetura Nacional: A Courtyard Oasis of Family, Form, and Function

A Home Designed for Family, Gatherings, and Connection to Nature

Named after the resilient Mandacaru cactus, symbolizing joy and family unity in Brazilian culture, the Mandacaru House is a project that balances intimacy and openness, tailored for a family of four that frequently hosts extended family and friends. Designed by Arquitetura Nacional, the residence reflects a commitment to warmth, social interaction, and architectural clarity.

Located in a gated community in Votorantim, Brazil, the site allowed for a rare architectural opportunity—walls between lots, which the architects transformed into a core design feature. Instead of isolating the home, the wall becomes a unifying element, defining volumes and expanding spatial possibilities.

Design Concept: Embracing the Courtyard House Typology

The architectural solution centers around the courtyard house concept, where the structure opens inward instead of outward. The plan is divided into two distinct volumes embraced by a defining curved wall and marquee:

• Front Volume (Single-Story): Contains the pedestrian entrance, garage, and a multi-functional guest suite/home office.
• Rear Volume (Two-Story): Houses the main social living spaces on the ground floor, and three private suites with a laundry area on the upper floor.

These volumes are connected by a sweeping curved canopy that creates a semi-covered patio—the heart of the home. This central space features a swimming pool and a mature jabuticaba tree, forming a tranquil outdoor living area that blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor life.

Materials and Atmosphere: Earthy, Warm, and Elegant

Materiality plays a central role in shaping the home’s atmosphere. The palette is both functional and expressive:

• Wooden brise-soleil: Screens the upper floor and front volume, ensuring privacy and effective solar control while adding rich texture to the façade.
• Glass panels: Frame the social spaces on the ground level, inviting natural light and creating seamless transitions to the lush garden.
• Custom red hydraulic tiles: Designed by the architects, these tiles line the entire perimeter wall, infusing color and a tactile identity to the home’s architectural language.

This blend of materials not only emphasizes passive design principles—like natural ventilation and shading—but also reinforces the house’s connection to Brazilian design heritage.

Form Follows Family

Every element of the Mandacaru House was conceived to support family life and togetherness. The open-plan design and integration of communal spaces, such as the interior garden, covered patio, and flexible living areas, ensure that the home functions as a welcoming gathering space while preserving everyday comfort.

From birthday parties to quiet evenings under the canopy, the architecture accommodates a range of experiences without compromising on elegance or performance.

The Mandacaru House by Arquitetura Nacional is a modern interpretation of the traditional courtyard home—intimate, expansive, and rooted in Brazilian culture. Designed with natural materials, passive strategies, and family connectivity in mind, it offers a sustainable and timeless living experience that gracefully balances privacy, openness, and social interaction.

All the photographs are works of André Scarpa