Architects: YVA Arquitetura
Area: 797 ft²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Gabriel Tomich
Manufacturers: Eternit, Injeta Telhas, Jailton Ind Vidros de Segurança, PedraCota Pedras Decorativas
Lead Architect: Yuri Vasconcelos Silva
Architectural Assistants: Guilherme Feijó, Isabela Sousa, Lucas Bochnie, Hannah Kumata, Renata Leite
Program: Leisure
City: Guajuvira
Country: Brazil
The Guajuvira Pavilion, a serene relaxation and physical activity space designed by local architects in the district of Guajuvira, 35 km from Curitiba, Brazil, harmoniously integrates with its countryside setting marked by native Atlantic Forest vegetation. Commissioned to ensure minimal disruption to the landscape, the project embodies eco-sensitive construction practices and was completed with the use of non-intrusive materials and techniques.
In Guajuvira district, located 35 kilometers from Curitiba, Brazil, the rural environment is sustained by small-scale farming families and interspersed with patches of native Atlantic Forest vegetation. These areas often safeguard water sources and streams feeding into the Iguaçu river basin and provide habitat for protected species like the Araucaria, the emblematic tree after which the town is named.
Set within a sparser section of this forest, architects were tasked with crafting a retreat aimed at fostering relaxation, quietude, and physical activity. They were directed to design this space such that it either camouflaged within the natural surroundings or at least minimized its visual impact.
Addressing these requirements, the architects proposed a pavilion constructed from prefabricated dry materials that could be easily assembled on-site. This approach reduced the generation of construction waste like mortar and concrete and shortened the building time. The pavilion’s slender, elongated form was carefully planned to fit among the existing trees, ensuring no trees were removed. Reflecting the principles of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of the client, the design aimed to disturb the soil and local wildlife minimally. Elevating the structure on concrete beams preserved the natural topography and facilitated the movement of native species such as armadillos, ants, and lizards.
The structural framework consists of solid Itaúba wood porticos, arranged with a 3.5-meter spacing, forming square outlines that define the pavilion’s vertical and horizontal planes with an exterior of transparent glass panels. This configuration encloses a delicate, barely perceptible interior space. The 74 m² pavilion includes a fitness area, a bathtub adjacent to a minimalist white bathroom, and a combined living and meditation space, complete with small balconies at each end. To fulfill structural and environmental protection needs, the flooring and ceiling materials were selected for their minimal thickness.
The pavilion’s ambiance is defined by natural light penetrating the structure, which dynamically changes throughout the day due to the surrounding multilayered vegetation. It features twelve windows that open outward in pairs, enhancing ventilation and allowing the sounds of a nearby stream to permeate the interior. This design ensures that the senses are fully engaged with the immersive forest environment of Guajuvira.
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Project Location
Address: Guajuvira, Araucária – State of Paraná, Brazil
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
