Abrigo Alta at Araras Brazil by Grua Arquitetos

ByJon Dykstra Houses

Abrigo Alta at Araras Brazil by Grua Arquitetos.

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Architects: Grua Arquitetos
Area: 50 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Rafael Salim
Lead Architects: Pedro Varella e Caio Calafate
Project Team: Pedro Varella, Caio Calafate, André Cavendish, Ingrid Colares, Antonio Machado
Structure: Rodrigo Affonso
Lighting Consultant: Maneco Quinderé
Construction: Alex e Aleandro Souza da Silva
City: Araras
Country: Brazil

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The exterior is made of glass walls and a wooden deck through the entrance.
The exterior is made of glass walls and a wooden deck through the entrance.
The house has brick wall used as support for the roof also give the house an aesthetic feel.
The house has brick wall used as support for the roof also give the house an aesthetic feel.
The solid wood framework supports the roof, and the wooden pillars add a rustic feel to the house.
The solid wood framework supports the roof, and the wooden pillars add a rustic feel to the house.
The living area overlooks the wooden deck outside, showcasing the view of the natural surroundings.
The living area overlooks the wooden deck outside, showcasing the view of the natural surroundings.
The wooden beam has metal support from the pillars, making it a strong foundation for the house.
The wooden beam has metal support from the pillars, making it a strong foundation for the house.
The wooden deck is partly covered by the roof, allowing better access to connect with nature.
The wooden deck is partly covered by the roof, allowing better access to connect with nature.
The house is surrounded by trees native in the area, and concrete steps is used as walkway.
The house is surrounded by trees native in the area, and concrete steps is used as walkway.
The house is lit with beautiful accent light creating a dramatic effect at night.
The house is lit with beautiful accent light creating a dramatic effect at night.
Floor plan of the house.
Floor plan of the house.
Cross section of the house.
Cross section of the house.
Elevation of the house.
Elevation of the house.

“Abrigo Alto” is part of a set of 3 buildings designed by the crane for a site in Vale das Videiras, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. “Pavilhão” (built in 2016), “Abrigo Alto” and “ Abrigo Baixo” (built in 2022). Each one, with 30m2 of internal area, has a reserved space for sleeping – closed by a light curtain -, a room connected to a front deck, a small pantry and a complete bathroom.

The valley shelters follow the same construction system and spatial modules: spans of 3m and 5m with supports ranging from wooden pillars to ceramic masonry walls. The solid wood framework supports the roof in thermo-acoustic trapezoidal tile panels, which lean over to form eaves of up to 1.80 m. In more controlled environments (bedrooms and bathrooms) a thin slab of reinforced concrete works as a ceiling, creating a double layer of insulation from the outside.

In the section that looks out over the valley, the “Abrigo Alto” is enclosed by a glass panel along its entire length, which, added to the upper enclosure, forms a translucent box.

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Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

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