Rio House

Perched on a pair of concrete pillars, the Rio House brings a compact retreat to the vast jungle of Rio de Janeiro. The home is situated near the Tijuca National Park just outside of the city. Not to disrupt the natural landscape, the 1,500-square-foot dwelling floats above the ground on two board-formed pedestals. An open-air terrace containing a screened porch and outdoor kitchenette has been placed on the ground floor, protected by the structure overhead. The volume, made from marine-grade steel, houses open living areas and a single bedroom. Placed in the rainforest canopy, floor-to-ceiling windows afford the elevated level expansive vistas over the juçara palm and cariniana trees as well as views of the city, ocean, and the Christ the Redeemer statue to the south.

Photos: Maíra Acayaba / Olson Kundig