Pupunha House by Laurent Troost Architectures + Hana Eto Gall Paisagismo

A Tropical Residence Blending Architecture, Landscape, and Ecology in Manaus

Located in the western zone of Manaus, Brazil, Pupunha House by Laurent Troost Architectures in collaboration with Hana Eto Gall Paisagismo is a stunning example of how architecture can coexist harmoniously with the Amazonian landscape. Designed with the intention of preserving native vegetation and creating a compact, efficient residence, the 230-square-meter home embodies an architectural language rooted in sustainability, lightness, and ecological sensitivity.

Design Concept: A Dialogue Between Nature and Architecture

The project’s name pays homage to the pupunha palm, which stands proudly at the center of the plot and inspired the entire architectural and landscaping concept. The design sought to blur the boundaries between built form and garden, turning the natural landscape into the protagonist of the project.

Upon arrival, visitors follow a sensory path through dense tropical vegetation, where broad leaves, filtered light, and natural humidity create a microclimate of tranquility. This lush immersion continues inside the residence, where greenery is invited to flow through the architecture, accompanying circulation routes and framing everyday life with views of the Amazonian flora.

Spatial Strategy: The Bridge House

To respect the site’s natural conditions and avoid major earthworks, the architects developed a structural solution known as a “bridge house.” Two lateral blocks of reinforced concrete anchor the design, housing the wet and technical areas of the home. Between them, an open central void allows full spatial continuity, cross-ventilation, and seamless integration with the surrounding garden.

Above this elevated base rests a trapezoidal metallic volume, tilted to create a generous eave on the east façade. This smart inclination not only shields the bedrooms from the rising sun but also maintains privacy while framing views of the nearby forest. A deliberate gap between the metal and concrete elements emphasizes material independence and captures subtle glimpses of the surrounding vegetation.

Interior Layout: Fluid, Airy, and Connected

The ground floor hosts the social, service, and leisure zones—entirely open to both the front and rear gardens, enhancing natural ventilation and promoting a dialogue with nature. The lateral façade features a floating brise wall of handmade ceramic bricks, filtering sunlight and cooling the corridor that connects the bedrooms, library, and master suite.

On the upper level, the intimate spaces benefit from shaded terraces overlooking the tropical canopy. The interplay of concrete, steel, and wood results in a balanced aesthetic—raw yet refined, contemporary yet organic.

Sustainable Strategies and Climatic Design

Sustainability lies at the core of Pupunha House. The pitched metal roof forms a natural air cushion that enhances thermal comfort and accommodates photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, and a reuse system. These passive design features reduce environmental impact and operating costs while ensuring year-round comfort in the humid Amazonian climate.

A water mirror in the front garden marks the transition between public and private realms, improving microclimate regulation and visually anchoring the home to the landscape. The façade’s vertical drainage elements also contribute to stormwater management while preserving visual lightness.

Even without traditional perimeter walls, the residence maintains privacy thanks to its strategic garden design and vertical façade screens. Parking is accommodated on a shaded platform near the street, a typology frequently found in local architecture due to the intense tropical sun.

Living in Harmony with Nature

What began as a weekend retreat gradually evolved into a home-office residence, reflecting contemporary shifts toward remote work and ecological living. The architects incorporated playful family features such as a climbing wall on one of the lateral blocks, emphasizing adaptability and outdoor recreation.

Material selection prioritized local suppliers and low-impact production. The handmade ceramic bricks were sourced nearby, while paint tones reference the warm hues of the pupunha palm, strengthening the dialogue between architecture and landscape.

With automated irrigation and native plant species—including Calatheas, Alocasias, Heliconias, banana plants, and various palms—the landscaping by Hana Eto Gall enhances biodiversity, promotes shade, and supports natural cooling.

An Architectural Statement Rooted in the Amazon

Pupunha House is more than a dwelling—it’s a manifesto for Amazonian architecture that respects ecology, climate, and culture. By lifting the structure lightly above the terrain and weaving vegetation through every spatial layer, the architects crafted a floating home that celebrates coexistence with nature.

All photographs are works of  Joana França