Arc Residence Whare by Caroline Andrusko is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Hiriwa in Hoahoa Waihanga, Whare me te Hanganga Competition Category.
HiriwaWaihanga· 2026
Arc Residence Whare
Client: Caroline Andrusko
A' Design Award Hiriwa Winner in Waihanga Category
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- Verified Award Winner
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The Design
About Arc Residence Whare
Ko tēnei kāinga i Curitiba he whakamāoritanga o nāianei o te hoahoanga Taiao o Parīhi (Brazil) e whakakotahi ana i te hanganga mārama, ngā rawa māori me te māramatanga i āta whakaritea. Ka urupare auaha te hoahoa ki tētahi wāhi tairanga, e hanga ana i te rere haere o roto ki waho me ngā papa noho paparanga. Mā ngā muxarabi ka taea te neke, ngā papa raima e kitea ana me te mapere Nuvolato e tuku tuakiri, ā, mā te whenua whakauru me ngā pūnaha atamai e ahu mai ana i te rā e whakarite te whakamarumaru me te toitūtanga.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award Hiriwa
Ko Arc Residence Whare te toa o te A' Design Award Hiriwa, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa taumata teitei rawa, ātaahua me te whakamīharo. Ko ngā toa Hiriwa he mahi tino kanapa, tino auaha e whakaatu ana i te mātanga, te pūmanawa me te mōhio hōhonu o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko Arc Residence Whare he mahi whakamīharo, he tauira, he tino ngaio, he auaha hōhonu. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Hiriwa he hanganga rongonui, whakamīharotia e whai wāhi ana ki te whakawhānui i ngā rohe o te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau. Ko Arc Residence Whare he mahi e hae ana te tini, e whakaara ana i ngā hiahia, e kawe mai ana i ngā kare-ā-roto pai, ā, e whakaoho ana i te mīharo.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- The project is defined by a dynamic system of articulated planes that structure space, light, and movement. Its uniqueness lies in the integration of environmental constraints, such as preservation areas and topography, as active design drivers. Movable shading systems, natural materials, and layered spatial organization create a flexible and responsive living environment, where architecture, landscape, and daily life are seamlessly connected.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The project is situated on a 1,505 m² site and comprises approximately 1,400 m² of built area, arranged across different levels that respond to the natural topography while maintaining a balanced relationship between constructed spaces, open areas and landscape.
- Tags
- House, residence, landscape, pool, brazilian, wood, architecture, contemporary, concrete, integration
- Production Technology
- The design was developed through an iterative process combining site analysis, environmental studies, and volumetric exploration. Topography, solar orientation, and preservation constraints guided the spatial organization and positioning of planes. The project integrates passive strategies, material research focused on Brazilian natural elements, and precise detailing, ensuring constructability, durability, and environmental performance.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was addressing strict environmental constraints on the site. A permanent preservation area required a non-buildable buffer, limiting interventions and maintaining natural ground levels. Native trees had to be preserved, while others were removed under regulation, requiring compensatory replanting of native species. Additionally, a protected spring at the front imposed a construction-free radius, restricting access design and circulation strategies throughout the project.
- Research
- Applied design research focused on integrating Brazilian natural materials with environmental and spatial performance. The objective was to align material identity with durability and comfort. The methodology combined site analysis, supplier research, and collaborative selection with the client. Data was gathered through technical studies and sourcing of Michelangelo Calacatta marble, Portinari porcelain, and exposed concrete. Results emphasized material coherence and feasibility, reinforcing local production, user engagement, and design authenticity.
- Inspiration
- The project was inspired by the dialogue between Brazilian landscape, natural materials, and contemporary family living. The clients’ desire for integration, flexibility, and social use guided the concept, while the steep topography became a key design driver. References to Brazilian modernism, vernacular shading systems such as muxarabis, and strategies for passive comfort, daylighting, and solar efficiency shaped a fluid and responsive architectural solution.
- Project Duration
- The project started in October 2017 in Curitiba and finished in February 2022.
- Operation Flow
- The residence was strategically planned to support the dynamics of a growing family transitioning from a compact apartment to a more expansive living environment. Spatial zoning prioritizes clear circulation, visual continuity and functional integration between social, leisure and private areas, strengthening the indoor–outdoor relationship. Generous open spaces allow flexible use, accommodating daily routines and larger gatherings, while ensuring supervision, comfort and long-term adaptability.
- Image Credits
- All Images: Photographer Eduardo Macarios, 2022.
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