Arc Residence Dar by Caroline Andrusko is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Premju A' Design Award tal-Fidda in Disinn tal-Arkitettura, Bini u Strutturi Competition Category.

FiddaArkitettura· 2026

Arc Residence Dar

by Caroline Andrusko

Client: Caroline Andrusko

Premju A' Design Award tal-Fidda Winner in Arkitettura Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #180747

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Colors

The Design

About Arc Residence Dar

Din ir-residenza f'Curitiba hija interpretazzjoni kontemporanja tal-arkitettura Naturali Brażiljana li tgħaqqad volumetrija nadifa, materjali naturali u dawl ikkalibrat. Id-disinn iwieġeb b'mod kreattiv għal sit wieqaf, u joħloq kontinwità fluwida bejn ġewwa u barra flimkien ma' livelli ta' għajxien stratifikati. Muxarabis li jiċċaqilqu, listelli tal-konkrit espost u l-irħam Nuvolato jagħtu identità, filwaqt li l-pajsaġġ integrat u s-sistemi intelliġenti bbażati fuq l-enerġija solari jiżguraw kumdità u sostenibbiltà.

The Recognition

About the Premju A' Design Award tal-Fidda

Arc Residence Dar huwa rebbieħ tal-Premju A' Design Award tal-Fidda, rikonoxximent prestiġjuż straordinarjament mogħti lil disinji tal-ogħla livell, sbieħ u impressjonanti. Ir-rebbieħa tal-Fidda huma xogħlijiet brillanti ħafna u kreattivi ħafna li juru l-għarfien espert, it-talent u l-aċċuratezza tad-disinjaturi tagħhom. Huwa mistenni li Arc Residence Dar ikun xogħol mill-isbaħ, eżemplari, professjonali ħafna u innovattiv bil-fond. Dan id-disinn rebbieħ tal-Fidda huwa invenzjoni notevoli u mammirata li tikkontribwixxi biex jitwessgħu l-fruntieri tal-arti, ix-xjenza, id-disinn u t-teknoloġija. Arc Residence Dar huwa ħolqien li ħafna jinvidjawh, li jqajjem ix-xewqat, iġib sentimenti pożittivi u joħloq tgħaġġib u mistagħġib.

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.