- Project: Taquari House
- Architect: Estudio Empena
- Location: Brazil, Brasília
- Year: 2023
- Area: 475 m2
- Photography: Joana França
In the quiet Taquari neighborhood of Brasília, Taquari House by Estúdio Empena emerges as a serene architectural composition rooted in light, landscape, and lyricism. Situated near the urban grid of Plano Piloto, this 5,112-square-foot residence reflects a nuanced balance of nature, poetry, and modern spatial design.
A Home Designed as a Sensory Poem
Conceived with a verse that evokes light and shadow, the home seeks to dissolve the boundaries between built form and environment. Taquari House elevates the standard of contemporary Brazilian residential architecture by embracing open-air elements, soft transitions, and biophilic design strategies.
Green Integration and Landscape Connection
Two internal courtyards anchor the design—one centered around the sculptural staircase and another beside the kitchen—bringing daylight and vegetation into the home’s core. Three strategically placed trees, including a native ipê, serve as focal points. The ipê near the entrance blooms seasonally, enhancing the poetic character of the façade. A reflecting pool runs alongside the entry, mirroring the natural elements and offering a meditative quality to the landscape approach. Explore more Brazilian architecture
Fluid Indoor-Outdoor Transitions
The architecture fosters continuous spatial flow while maintaining zones of privacy. This careful orchestration includes: Ground Level: Open-plan living areas, the kitchen, and adjacent courtyards foster communal interaction, with seamless transitions into outdoor living zones. Upper Level: Bedrooms are oriented to capture panoramic views of Brasília, offering moments of solitude and reflection. Garage Access: Located discreetly on a secondary street, it preserves the purity of the main elevation. A raised entrance plaza acts as a meditative buffer between the bustling city and the private sanctuary, guiding residents and guests inward through a composed architectural procession.
Structural Clarity Meets Design Economy
Estúdio Empena used a refined structural language to deliver both aesthetic and cost-conscious solutions: Reinforced concrete with reduced spans ensures economical construction without sacrificing elegance. A floating appearance is achieved through elevated ground beams that delicately lift the volume above the site. The main entrance canopy—formed by an inverted beam and inclined slab—marks the threshold with expressive minimalism. This disciplined approach results in a home that feels both grounded and gracefully elevated.
Sustainability Through Locality and Passive Design
The house integrates sustainable principles from both a materials and performance perspective: Native vegetation populates courtyards and gardens, reducing water consumption and aligning with the local ecosystem. Cross ventilation strategies reduce dependency on mechanical cooling. Earthy material palette—textured concrete, wood, and neutral finishes—foster a tactile connection to place.
A Tranquil Retreat Rooted in Brazilian Identity
Taquari House is not just a residence; it is a meditative experience. Every design gesture, from its blooming ipê to the ripple of the reflecting pool, celebrates the relationship between architecture and nature in the heart of Brazil. This project continues Estúdio Empena’s tradition of thoughtful, regionally inspired design that balances the poetic with the practical.
