Guaju Pavilion
Brazil, Curitiba
completed
in 2023
Nestled amidst the protected remnants of Atlantic Forest in Guajuvira, Brazil, this pavilion is located just 35 kilometers from Curitiba. Surrounded by small farms and natural water sources feeding into the Iguaçu River basin, the site hosts diverse native species, including the iconic Araucaria tree. The design vision was centered on creating a space for tranquility, exercise, and reflection, while deeply respecting and minimally disturbing the existing natural landscape. The architects aimed to develop an organic addition that blends seamlessly into this lush environment, emphasizing harmony between built form and nature.

The structure itself is a slender pavilion assembled primarily from dry, locally-sourced materials, reducing construction waste and environmental impact. Elevated on concrete beams, the design preserves the site's topography and makes way for native fauna such as armadillos, ants, and lizards to cross freely. The building features a series of square frames made of solid Itaúba wood, arranged in a modular 3.5-meter pattern, creating a delicate yet precise enclosure. Transparent glass seals surround the structure, allowing the interior to be immersive and open to the surrounding forest scenery, blending indoors and outdoors in a natural, unobtrusive manner.

Inside, the 74-square-meter pavilion is composed of functional spaces including a fitness area, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a living and meditation room, all designed with minimal thickness floors and ceilings that meet structural demands without overwhelming the eye. Twelve sliding window openings facilitate cross-ventilation and allow natural light to filter through the vegetation, filling the interior with changing tones of light and shadow throughout the day. As the windows are opened, the sounds of the nearby stream and the rustling leaves reinforce the sensation of being truly immersed in the Guajuvira forest, creating a sanctuary that is both a retreat and an integral part of its environment.

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Guilherme Feijó Isabela de Sousa Lucas Bochnie Hannah Kumata Renata Leite Gabriel Tomich Erick Hiroshi
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