Living Big in a Small Space: Architect Designs a Dream Escape in the Lush Forest
Deep in the emerald lap of Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park, a symphony of nature plays every day. But among the towering trees and vibrant vegetation lies a unique dwelling unlike any other.
Imagine a glass jewel whose walls are transparent to the symphony outside. This is the bizarre reality of a custom-designed tiny house, meticulously crafted for those seeking a life of minimalist luxury among the wonders of Brazil’s wilderness.
The Marriage of Modernity and Nature: Blending Borders with Glass
The brainchild of renowned architect Gabriela Ribeiro, this tiny house defies the limitations of its size. Built with ethically sourced, sustainably harvested wood, its most striking feature is the extensive use of UV-protected glass.
Floor-to-ceiling panels adorn both walls and roof, creating uninterrupted views of the rainforest canopy. Imagine waking up to sunlight filtering through the lush foliage, or falling asleep to the gentle murmur of nocturnal creatures. To ensure privacy, the cleverly designed motorized shutters retract at the touch of a button, allowing the homeowner to control the amount of light and visibility they desire.
A Microcosm of Comfort and Functionality: Every Inch Counts
Stepping inside the tiny home, one is greeted by a cleverly designed open floor plan. Featuring a plush, built-in sofa that converts into a cozy guest bed, the living area flows seamlessly into the kitchen.
Here, custom cabinetry crafted from reclaimed wood maximizes storage space, while sleek, stainless steel appliances ensure that functionality doesn’t take a back seat to style. Disguised as a sleek wall unit when not in use, the cleverly designed Murphy bed drops down to create a cozy sleeping space at night.
Luxury is in the Details: Sustainable Touches for Modern Living
Minimalist in design, the small house features thoughtful touches that elevate the living experience. Gleaming polished concrete floors, cool to the touch in the Rio heat, reflect the natural light that floods in. Strategically placed skylights bathe the bathroom, located in a separate cedar-clad structure just outside the main house, in natural light.
Sustainability is a key consideration – the roof is equipped with solar panels to power the home, and a rainwater harvesting system provides water for toilets and irrigation.
A Sanctuary for Outdoor Living: Nature’s Embrace Tiny House
Seamlessly transitioning from the interior, the charming wooden terrace beckons the homeowner to embrace the outdoors. Here, you can enjoy a morning coffee surrounded by the melodic sounds of exotic birds or curl up with a good book amongst the rustling leaves.
This intimate space opens onto a refreshing plunge pool, perfect for cooling off on a hot Rio afternoon. Finally, the highlight: a magnificent pergola built from sustainably harvested ipê wood stands majestically beyond the pool. Draped with cascading vines and adorned with cozy hammocks and plush outdoor furniture, this gazebo creates a shady sanctuary to enjoy warm evenings under the starlit sky.
Living the Dream: Tiny house for the Soul
This charming little house in Rio’s rainforest is more than a residence; it’s a philosophy. A conscious decision to adopt a simpler lifestyle that prioritizes connection with nature and mindful living. Here, among the symphony of birdsong and the rustle of leaves, one can truly find oneself – proof that sometimes the greatest luxury lies in living small and consciously.
Ribeiro, the architect behind this extraordinary creation, sees this house as the prototype for a new wave of sustainable living. “The tiny house movement is gaining momentum,” he says: “And for good reason. It allows people to focus on experiences rather than possessions and minimize their environmental impact.” This glass jewel in the Rio Jungle is a shining example of how to do just that.
Love what you see? Share your home makeover with us and we’ll feature it on our blog.
Email us at info@livinginatiny.com and tell us about your project.
