Casa na Mata (Jungle House) by Marcio Kogan’s Studio MK27 is located on the edge of the Brazilian rain forest, on a block of land surrounded by dense vegetation. The objective of the project was to optimise the connection between architecture and nature, maximising the privileged view across the ocean, while harnessing the spectacular sunlight within the internal spaces. The main volume of the house is elevated from the ground and appears to be built into the sloping site, with the house projecting itself out from the mountain. The touching points between the slope of the site and the newly constructed elements were shaped to respect the existing land, thereby creating an organic interaction between nature and architecture.
The three levels of the Jungle House create a clear division of spaces: the ground floor houses a large covered timber deck, connected to a small room for the children; on the first floor there are six bedrooms – five of them with small verandas with hammocks – and a TV room; the second floor is the social area of the house, including the swimming pool, the living room and the kitchen. The vertical organisation of the rooms is flipped on it’s head when compared to typical single-family houses: while the pool and the social areas are on the roof, the bedrooms are located on the floor below. The deck is on the ground floor – protected by the projection of the house – provides a generous space and shaded shelter for children to play. The service rooms are also located on this level.
The experience of the surrounding landscape is omnipresent. When one is inside the house, the relationship with the vegetation occurs not only via the view but also through the many plants that surround the timber decking. On the ground floor, one can stroll through the midst of trees; on the first floor, the light filters through the tree-tops; on the roof, the vegetation is within arms reach with views of the ocean in the background. As is the case with most of Marcio Kogan‘s projects, the house maximises the use of exposed concrete and timber for both the interior and the exterior.
The bedrooms have been fitted with timber screens for sun shading, mounted as folding doors that can be manipulated by the users. The top floor of the house offers a series of spaces which synthesise the principles of the house: on one side, there is a deck with a hot tub and a sauna, both of which afford an intense relation between the house, and the mountain with it’s luscious vegetation; on the other side is an in-ground fireplace and the swimming pool; at the centre – between the two outdoor spaces – is the living room that opens to both sides, offering excellent cross-ventilation.
