- Project: RSC Residence
- Architect: Jacobsen Arquitetura
- Location: Brazil, Porto Feliz, São Paulo
- Year: 2014
- Area: 1160 m2
- Photography: Leonardo Finotti
Topography as Generator
RSC Residence is a thoughtful response to its dramatically sloped site. The access is located at the highest point, from which the land gently descends toward a lake view. This natural gradient becomes the organizing agent for the architecture.
Jacobsen Arquitetura arranged three longitudinal blocks across the plot:
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The first block is embedded, anchoring the land and creating a broad base.
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The second block, running parallel, comprises social and service functions facing the lake.
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The third block sits perpendicularly above the first two, housing the private, intimate spaces.
This triple-block strategy allows each programmatic zone to occupy its own volumetric clarity while maintaining strong visual and spatial relationships across the house.
Programmatic & Spatial Organization
Each block has a distinct role:
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Block One: leisure and wellness amenities, integrated into the terrain.
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Block Two: social and service areas—living room, dining, kitchen—opening toward the lake.
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Block Three: private areas—bedrooms and master suite—perched above with commanding views.
The overlying third block forms a dramatic 9-meter cantilever, creating a sheltered veranda underneath. A 12-meter gap underneath the perpendicular volume accommodates a garage, giving the house a poised, floating presence. The cantilever itself was an engineering highlight in the project, demonstrating structural sophistication.
Materiality & Architectural Expression
The material palette is minimalist and grounded. Exterior surfaces combine wood, metal, and stone.
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The woodwork is executed with care and precision, fully integrated into the detailing of the overhangs and façades.
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Large glazed panels frame views and invite natural light deep into living spaces.
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Aluminum and steel profiles are used for structural and framing elements, ensuring durability and refined precision.
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Landscape landscaping softens the edges of the blocks, merging architecture with vegetation.
Light, Views & Experience
Views of the lake and the forest are strategically framed through the volumes. As one moves through the house, vistas open and close—creating a journey of spatial discovery:
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The cantilever intensifies the sensation of floating over the landscape.
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The veranda beneath offers shading and a transitional outdoor zone.
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The orientation, overhangs, and glazing relationships mediate light, heat, and privacy.
Transitions between volumes and levels are choreographed to heighten the experiential quality of the journey—every threshold and pathway is designed to carry you through light, shadow, and views.
Sustainability & Structural Performance
RSC Residence reflects a high level of design-led sustainability rather than gadgetry:
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By layering in blocks and embedding part of the building, thermal mass, shading, and passive comfort are employed.
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Strategic glazing, cross-ventilation paths, and shading elements reduce cooling loads.
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The structural detailing of the cantilever demonstrates how bold architectural moves can coexist with efficient, strong construction.
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Durable material choices and restrained finishing promote longevity and low maintenance.
Conclusion
RSC Residence by Jacobsen Arquitetura is a compelling example of volumetric clarity, site sensitivity, and structural ambition. Through a trio of longitudinal blocks, generous cantilevers, and a disciplined material language, the design asserts itself without overwhelming context.
This residence is not simply built on land—it is carved with and from the land, offering architecture that moves across landscape, light, and structure with confidence.
