Brazilian architecture firm Arquipélago Arquitetos has completed an innovative modular housing project in Piracaia, Brazil, showcasing a sustainable construction system that combines rammed earth and wood materials. The 2024 project, photographed by Pedro Kok, represents a new approach to residential architecture with its focus on reproducible design and environmental consciousness.
The modular construction system was specifically designed to accommodate three different residential sizes: 50, 100, and 125 square meters, with the featured project spanning 250 square meters. This flexible approach allows the housing system to adapt to various family needs and lot sizes while maintaining consistent design principles and construction methods. The architects developed this system with the premise that it could be easily reproduced across different sites and contexts.
The project team, led by architects Luís Tavares and Marinho Velloso, included Ana Perez, Bruno Mota, Rafael Ribeiro, and Rodrigo de Oliveira. The comprehensive design process involved collaboration with specialized engineering consultants: Artesania Engenharia with Alain Briatte handled civil engineering, Guilherme Stamato from Stamade Estruturas managed structural engineering, and Jarreta Projetos provided facilities engineering expertise.
The choice of rammed earth and wood as primary construction materials reflects the architects' commitment to sustainable building practices. Rammed earth, an ancient construction technique experiencing renewed interest in contemporary architecture, offers excellent thermal mass properties and uses locally available materials. Combined with wood framing, this construction method creates buildings that are both environmentally responsible and structurally sound.
The modular design philosophy extends beyond simple standardization to create a comprehensive building system that can be adapted to different sites and requirements. Each module can function independently or be combined with others to create larger residential complexes, making this approach particularly suitable for eco-villages or sustainable housing developments. The Piracaia location provides an ideal setting for testing this innovative construction approach in Brazil's diverse climate conditions.
This project demonstrates how traditional building materials and techniques can be reimagined for contemporary housing needs. The combination of modular construction with sustainable materials represents a potential solution for affordable, environmentally conscious housing that could be scaled up for larger developments while maintaining quality and design integrity.
