Japú House: Modern Architecture in Rio Mountains
AIA Estúdio's nature-integrated residential design.
1Project Location
Japú House was built in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. The structure, specially designed for the site, was positioned on a narrow flat strip created through earthmoving to adapt to the sloping terrain. The architects prioritized harmony with the natural landscape as the project's fundamental design criterion.
2Architectural Approach
The 376-square-meter house was designed with a horizontal layout. This arrangement along contour lines establishes a relationship of continuity with the surroundings. Led by Alice Tepedino, the AIA Estúdio team developed a strategy aiming for minimal intervention in the natural environment.
3Design Team
Alice Tepedino served as lead architect, with João Carrascosa, Matheus Amorim, and Michel Zalis on the design team. Civil engineering consultancy was provided by Roberto Badalcconi and Bernardo Bertone. The team preferred working with local materials and craftsmanship.
4Material Choices
The project utilized products from local manufacturers like Móveis Balduci and Ros Dormentes (Carpintaria). These selections serve both sustainability goals and the creation of regional architectural identity. Photographed by Pedro Kok, the project stands out with its minimalist details.
5Spatial Organization
The house strengthens indoor-outdoor relationships through its longitudinally distributed program. The horizontal-line-dominated design creates visual connections with the mountain views. Efficient use of the narrow land strip determines the functional space organization.
6Technical Details
Completed in 2025, the project spans 376 square meters. The architects minimized necessary earthmoving while prioritizing the structure's harmony with its environment. This approach aligns with sustainable architectural principles.
7Design Philosophy
AIA Estúdio developed an architectural language respectful of nature for Japú House. The structure's parallel placement to contours enhances landscape integration while adapting to the terrain. The minimal intervention principle emerges as the project's distinctive feature.
8Architectural Significance
Japú House represents an important example of nature integration in contemporary Brazilian architecture. This AIA Estúdio project draws attention with creative solutions applied to challenging terrain conditions. Published on ArchDaily in 2026, the project garnered interest in the international architecture community.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Japú Evi: Rio Dağlarında Modern Mimari