Arc Residence House

The muxarabis were incorporated into the project as a contemporary reinterpretation of a traditional element that is deeply connected to Brazilian architecture. In Brazil, façade systems like these are often used not only for their visual appeal but also for their environmental performance.From the beginning, the intention was to use the mashrabiyas as an architectural feature capable of combining comfort and identity. They help control solar exposure, create shaded areas, and improve the quality of the interior spaces while generating a dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and transparency. This creates an experience that is equally meaningful from inside the house and from the street.Although the residence is located in Curitiba, which has a milder climate than many other Brazilian regions, the city still experiences warm summers and periods of intense sunlight. In this context, the mashrabiyas play an important functional role by improving thermal comfort and protecting the most exposed areas of the house.Beyond their environmental benefits, they were also fundamental in shaping the architectural language of the project. The use of wood, combined with the composition of fixed and movable volumes, helped reinforce a contemporary Brazilian aesthetic that values natural materials, layered façades, and architectural elements capable of changing the perception of the building throughout the day. As a result, the mashrabiyas became much more than a shading device, they became an essential part of the residence’s identity.

Receiving this recognition was a great honor for our entire team. Seeing a project developed with such care receive an international award of this caliber reinforces the idea that thoughtful architecture can transcend borders and connect with different cultures and contexts.I believe the Arc Residence embodies these principles through its commitment to balancing aesthetics, functionality, and quality of life. From the beginning, there was a strong focus on understanding the family’s lifestyle and needs, transforming those insights into architectural solutions that would be authentic, meaningful, and lasting.Natural light also played a fundamental role in the project. The layout was carefully designed to maximize daylight throughout the house, taking advantage of solar orientation, the positioning of openings, and the integration between spaces. The architectural volumes were shaped to create different spatial experiences throughout the day, generating a dynamic relationship between light and shadow while strengthening the connection between the interior and exterior environments.This award also reinforced a belief that has always been central to our design philosophy: architecture must go beyond aesthetics. It should respond to its context, to the people who inhabit it, and to the way they live. When cultural sensitivity, environmental performance, and spatial quality come together, the result becomes more meaningful and enduring.

We believe that the natural characteristics of a site, even when they initially appear to be challenges, can become valuable design opportunities. In the case of the Arc Residence, the steep topography became one of the project’s greatest assets, helping to create an architecture that is more authentic and deeply connected to its surroundings.Rather than trying to eliminate or conceal the site’s natural slopes, we chose to embrace them as an organizing element of the design. This approach allowed us to create a series of platforms and architectural volumes that follow the terrain naturally, establishing a harmonious relationship between the building, the landscape, and the environment.The topography also contributed significantly to both the functional and visual organization of the house. The different levels helped define areas such as the entrance sequence, garage, and social spaces, while making the arrival experience more dramatic and memorable. At the same time, these changes in elevation created a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, naturally guiding movement and views toward the gardens and pool area.While a completely flat house may offer certain practical advantages, working with different levels creates a richness of spatial experience that is difficult to achieve otherwise. The platforms allow distinct environments to emerge without relying on rigid physical separations, using variations in elevation to define functions, perspectives, and experiences. This creates a strong sense of continuity while preserving the unique character of each space.This approach reflects a principle that consistently guides our work: architecture should respond to the natural conditions of a site rather than resist them. When design works with the landscape instead of against it, the result is more coherent, more efficient, and ultimately more connected to its environment.