Located in the region known as Campos Gerais of the state of Paraná in Brazil, the Refúgio da Cainã is one of the accommodations of a farm hotel located exactly in the area of a geological fault called the “Escarpa Devoniana”. With a privileged view in the foreground of the vast native forest, on the horizon is possible to see the city of Curitiba and the mountains, distant about 50km and 120km respectively.
In this natural space marked by a wide green area and the characteristic geology of the site, the Refúgio da Cainã contemplates a simplistic structural concept that reveals the connection of the interior with the exterior by the minimal intervention in the natural environment. It has in its essence, the relation between the artificial structure and the natural universe, where the concept of the project is to harmonize with nature without trying to disguise it, revealing its straight lines as opposed to the curved and organic lines of nature.
The structure becomes a simple base of support, appearing to be floating and favors a lifestyle in permanent contact with the natural environment. It translates a state of mind that reflects in a haven of urban confusion, where the user retreats to appreciate what really matters: the time. Using as the main structure a container of 12 meters in length, the building has a glass enclosure totally facing east, which favors the view of the sunrise. Whether for the transparency of the glass plans or the opacity of the wood, simplicity and a volumetric purity give the protagonism to nature.
It preserves the natural aspect of the terrain, leaning only on pillars directly on the ground, minimizing the effect of the construction in the natural environment. The reuse of the container, the speed of construction of the metallic structure and the smaller amount of waste generated are prevailing factors to reduce the impact on the environment.
This presents a beautiful scenery of tall trees and scenic mountain views wherein the house resides in for a wonderful commune with nature.
This house has a large inclined lawn of lush green grass that is perfect for playing with the dog. From this vantage, the house appears to be a floating structure within the tall trees.
This appears to be a section of the house that has glass windows on three sides giving it a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape.
This closer look at the front of the house gives it a nice background of tall trees that elevates the charm of the glass house. Here you can see that there is a set of steps leading down to the green lawn of grass.
The house has a small yet cozy living room at the far end with a brown leather sofa on a hardwood flooring. This area makes up for its small floor space with a large glass wall.
The living room at the far end is part of a large room that also houses the bedroom, office and a sitting area by the wide glass walls that is perfect for a cup of coffee in the morning.
The great room has the same hardwood flooring and wooden ceiling that has recessed lights throwing a warm yellow glow to augment the homey quality of the wooden elements.
This is the office and study area located in between the living room and the bed. It has a simple wooden desk topped with a wall-mounted adjustable lamp.
The large bed is placed on a large wooden platform that also has built in bedside tables in the form of wooden shelves. The bed is illuminated by a bright yellow table lamp on the side.
Located at the far corner of the great room is this sitting area that could function as a patio when you open the sliding glass walls. It has a couple of wooden arm chairs with cushions paired with a two-tier side table.
The hardwood flooring of this cozy corner is topped with a small brown area rug that complements the wooden tone of the chairs as well as the flooring.
This bathroom has a wooden vanity to contrast the white porcelain bowl sink. Across from this is the glass enclosed shower area beside the toilet in the corner by the wide set of glass windows.
This is a nighttime view of the charming house. It is located far from city lights and bright lights giving it a perfectly starry sky at night time.
This view of the house against the sunset shows the warm and welcoming glow of its interiors against the shadows of trees and the hill.
This is an illustrative representation of the house viewed from the east side. This also shows the positioning of the glass walls.
This is an illustrative representation of the house viewed from the west side. This side is mostly made of wood.
This is the south side view of the house shown in an illustrative representation to clearly see the positioning of the sections.
This is the view of the house from the north side which is shown through an illustrative representation to better identify the house within the background of tall trees.
This is an illustrative representation of the great room of the house where you can see the positioning of the various sections.
This is a view of the exteriors of the house from the top view showed in an illustrative representation. Here you can see the positioning of the stair access and its proximity with the tall trees behind.
This illustrative representation shows the house as the red structure in the middle. This shows the various structures that can be found in the vicinity and the house’s proximity to each one.
Company name:Bruno Zaitter arquiteto Contact e-mail: bruno.zaitter@gmail.com Project location: Balsa Nova, Parana, Brazil Completion Year: 2016
