Sylva Village: A Regenerative Model of Sustainable Architecture Design in Brazil

In the heart of Boa Vista, Roraima, Sylva Village by ETAA Studio emerges as a pioneering example of sustainable architecture design — a visionary eco-village that reimagines the relationship between people, nature, and urban development. In a world dominated by rapid urbanization and technological disconnection, Sylva Village restores balance through architecture that heals — socially, ecologically, and spiritually. This People’s Choice Award entry from the Live Green competition redefines housing not as shelter, but as a living ecosystem that nurtures coexistence and regeneration.

A Vision Rooted in Ecological Harmony

Sylva Village is conceived not as a traditional housing project but as a living organism. Every design decision responds to the idea that sustainability extends beyond energy efficiency — it is about reconnection. Rooted in natural living, the project encourages residents to live symbiotically with the land, fostering deep connections between people, flora, and fauna. The site’s master plan integrates reforestation and ecological restoration, countering deforestation and biodiversity loss while re-establishing native habitats.

The eco-village becomes a microcosm of resilience, promoting self-sufficiency and mutual care — qualities vital to the future of sustainable urban living.

Design Concept: Integrating Nature and Community

The design follows a nature-inspired sustainable architecture approach that seamlessly merges urban and natural elements. The site transitions from structured urban textures in the south to dense greenery in the north, symbolizing a gradual reconnection with nature. Circular courtyards and green decks become communal gathering spaces, fostering interaction, well-being, and social cohesion. Natural materials, sunlight, and ventilation are used strategically to enhance comfort and reduce energy use.

Four design pillars define Sylva Village:

1. Nature-Inspired Sustainable Architecture – shaping organic forms and biophilic patterns.
2. Community-Centered Sustainable Living – promoting collective growth and shared experiences.
3. Eco-Friendly Infrastructure and Spaces – integrating green corridors, passive cooling, and renewable systems.
4. Reconnection with Natural Roots – reviving cultural, ecological, and spiritual relationships with the environment.

Ecological Urbanism and Reforestation

The village embodies ecological urbanism, blending built forms with biodiversity corridors. The design introduces native plant species like Mangifera indica to create shaded areas and microclimates. By integrating reforestation and circular systems, the project restores ecological balance while reinforcing social sustainability. Each spatial layer — pedestrian, bicycle, car, and green zones — is designed to minimize carbon impact and encourage low-impact movement.

This eco-village planning model demonstrates how architecture can become a tool for environmental renewal and climate resilience.

Spatial Organization and Form Evolution

Sylva Village’s form evolution is guided by natural logic. The architecture emerges from the landscape, adapting to textures, contours, and vegetation.

• The southern urban edge gradually transitions into lush greenery to the north.
• Circular courtyards act as “social lungs,” inviting light, wind, and community gatherings.
• Natural elements penetrate residential zones, ensuring that greenery remains central to the architectural experience.
• Public green areas form the heart of social interaction and ecological continuity.

Through this layered composition, the project achieves a fluid dialogue between form, function, and forest.

Program: Architecture for Living and Learning

Designed to accommodate 50 families, the master plan combines functionality, sustainability, and well-being. Programs include residential clusters, community gardens, multipurpose halls, sport zones, observation decks, and child-care spaces — all interconnected through organic pathways and courtyards. A sunken courtyard strategy optimizes daylight and ventilation, creating comfortable and energy-efficient living environments below ground level.

The circulation network prioritizes walkability, social engagement, and passive cooling. Rooftop gardens and greenhouses add layers of productivity and ecological value, making Sylva Village not just self-sufficient, but regenerative.

Sustainability Systems: Passive Cooling and Circular Economy

At the heart of the design lies a resource management and circular economy framework.

• Passive cooling techniques ensure natural temperature regulation across units.
• Water recycling and rainwater collection feed irrigation systems.
• Photovoltaic panels and vertical farming generate energy and food locally.
• A waste-to-energy process supports the eco-village’s goal of carbon neutrality.

By integrating renewable systems into architectural expression, the project transforms sustainability into both function and form — an architectural narrative of regeneration.

Material Strategy: Earth, Light, and Culture

The material palette reinforces the project’s ecological ethos.

• Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB) ensure thermal efficiency, affordability, and a connection to local craftsmanship.
• ETFE membranes provide lightweight greenhouse coverings, maximizing light diffusion while creating controlled microclimates.

Every material is chosen not just for performance, but for meaning — contributing to the village’s tactile and cultural identity. Together, these materials establish Sylva Village as an example of climate-responsive architecture rooted in vernacular wisdom and modern innovation.

A Living Model for the Future

Sylva Village stands as a beacon for the next generation of sustainable architecture design — a place where environmental consciousness and human well-being coexist seamlessly. It demonstrates that architecture can go beyond aesthetics and become a medium of ecological restoration, social cohesion, and cultural continuity.

By blending reforestation with regenerative architecture, ETAA Studio redefines what it means to “Live Green” — not as an aspiration, but as an everyday reality.

Credits

Project: Sylva Village Designed by: ETAA Studio

Award: People’s Choice Award — Live Green Location: Boa Vista, Brazil