Modern Sustainable House Design: Casa do Olhar by Tati Tavares + Alex Dalcin Arquitetura

Casa do Olhar, designed by Tati Tavares and Alex Dalcin Arquitetura, is a stunning example of modern sustainable house design. Located in Goiânia, Brazil, this architectural masterpiece was created for a young couple who cherish social gatherings and the joy of creating lasting memories with friends and family. The house perfectly balances aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, making it a prime example of contemporary residential architecture.

Addressing the Challenge of West-Facing Plots

One of the significant challenges faced by the architects was the corner plot's orientation, which faces west and receives intense afternoon sun. To tackle this, the design incorporates features that ensure the home remains bright and welcoming while providing thermal comfort during the hottest parts of the day.

Innovative Use of Muxarabi and Ceiling Heights

Lower Floor Design

On the lower floor, the architects devised a clever solution to manage sunlight and heat. They created an area with a lower ceiling height on the house's perimeter and a higher ceiling height in the internal area. Between these differing ceiling heights, a muxarabi—a traditional latticework—was installed. This design element acts as a barrier to direct sunlight, allowing abundant natural light to filter through without obstructing views.

Upper Floor Design

The upper floor, which houses the intimate areas, features movable latticed panels on the exterior and Venetian blinds on the interior. This setup offers three levels of openness: fully closed blinds to block the sun, open blinds with closed panels for privacy while allowing light, and fully open blinds and panels for an unobstructed view.

Maximizing the View with Minimal Visual Barriers

True to its name, Casa do Olhar ("House of the View") was designed with a focus on its privileged views. The architects minimized visual barriers by incorporating large spans with few pillars and utilizing beams and prestressed slabs. This structural approach not only enhances the visual connection with the surroundings but also creates an open, airy atmosphere within the home.

Overcoming Air Conditioning Challenges

The absence of internal walls posed a challenge for air conditioning placement. To address this, some internal ceiling heights were lowered to install a central cooling system with grilles. This solution ensures that the home remains comfortable without compromising its open, minimalist design.

Creating a Cozy and Sustainable Living Space

The end result is a cozy, inviting home that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The thoughtful design provides uninterrupted views of the surroundings while maintaining thermal comfort throughout the day. Casa do Olhar stands as a testament to the potential of modern sustainable house design, offering both beauty and practicality.

Casa do Olhar by Tati Tavares and Alex Dalcin Arquitetura is a remarkable example of modern sustainable house design. Through innovative solutions and a keen eye for detail, the architects have created a home that not only meets the practical needs of its inhabitants but also enhances their quality of life. This project serves as an inspiring model for future residential architecture, demonstrating how sustainability and modern design can harmoniously coexist.

All the photographs are work of Edgard Cesar