ARCA

Project Description

ARCA was named as such by the locals as it appeared like a ship in the middle of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. In fact, on a more anecdotal level, it is an earthship project that comes from a wish to mimic a specific Brazilian indigenous house typology (Asurini, Médio Xingu) and to be a stand- alone property with a minimal impact on the surroundings.

For this purpose, we decided to use a self-supporting structure comprising roofing, side walls and finishing. The Galvalume (carbon steel + aluminium + zinc) modules were assembled on site in just one week and can also be easily dismantled and rebuilt in a new location.
The internal timber walls are only 3 cm thick, as they are internally reinforced by steel bars that compress the whole structure.

The house can host up to two couples with children, has a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom and a generous open space serving as a living room or workshops area for creative and professional training, in which case the beds fold away as sofas and the sleeping room is converted into a production room.

The main idea is that the house can be used for a weekend by creatives and professionals (with children) who want to work on their creation inspired by nature in a very comfortable environment.

ARCA is located by the Perequé waterfall, on the border with the national park Parque da Bocaina and ten kilometres from the charming colonial city of Paraty, well-known for its cultural heritage and natural treasures.