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ão Paulo-based architect Fernanda Marques is one of the most versatile and innovative designers prac-ticing in brazil today who’s work needs no introduc-

tion in the world of architecture. Her approach to designing homes where the divide between indoor and outdoor living are non-existent, presenting innovating solutions and making full use of technology have been integral to her success.As chief architect at Fernanda Marques Architects & Associ-ates her firm is involved in both residential and commercial architecture, interior design, furniture design and real estate.

The first of the two Fernanda Marques projects we have selected to feature is this 950 square metre summer house built to a meticulous high standard of design and furnishing, in a gated community located on the southern coast of Paraty in Rio de Janeiro.

S

Brazilian BlissAn IdyllIc OceAn frOnt hOme

defIned by Its cOntempOrAry mOdern desIgn

Architect

FernAndA MArques

“For this project, Immediately I thought of a lot of wood. Wanted to flirt with the rustic, but without seeming obvious”

LocAtion

rio de JAneiro. BrAziL

ProPerty

PArAty PrivAte residence

coMPLeted

2009Architect

FernAndA MArques

PhotogrAPhs

courtesy oF deMiAn goLovAty

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the house FLoor PLAns were eFFectiveLy iMPLeMented within the technicAL FeAtures oF the LAndscAPe ALLowing the design to FreeLy FLoAt on it. the FreedoM it Provides on the ArchitecturAL design is PriceLess.

The architectural approach for this property has been defined by the natural beauty of its surroundings namely Brazil’s own gorgeous landscapes, unifying the interaction of natural beauty of the topical foliage filled surroundings and the modern design. For its technical features and for the design freedom it provides, steel was the material of choice for the house structure. Its outward look, however, is covered in wood, a device used to protect it from the sea air and make it more familiar looking amid the green Mata Atlantica.

In order to provide maximum integration between the internal and external areas, large glazed windows were used, allowing virtually every room in the house ample interaction with the landscape.

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To counter-balance the use of timber, the essential element in the project’s aesthetic arrangement, interior areas were con-ceived with strong emphasis on the dialogue among materials, either finished or unfinished, oscillating between rustic and high-tech. One of the main challenges faced here by the architect was selecting furniture and decorative pieces that were contemporary in their look yet were in keeping with the seaside mood. Low slung pieces were chosen, so that nothing would get in the way of the view out into the sea.

Here Fernanda mixes sophisticated and contemporary finishes such as lacquer, mirrors and stainless steel and other rustic ma-terials such as seagrass. Reclaimed wood as sourced to create the wonderful interaction of natural beauty of the landscape with the modern architecture of the property. These materials were also chosen for their suitability for use with the harsh salt sea air breeze which flows freely throughout the uninterrupted open spaces of the house. The effective therefore, as you move from the outdoor areas inwards, is one of spacious uncluttered simplicity.

The fluidity given by this airy layout and the pure and simple juxtaposition of contemporary designed furniture and handcraft-ed pieces is exquisite. It invites the natural lighting to flood the indoor spaces making the interior an integral extension of the beautiful landscape and sea beyond.

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Fmiwww.fernandamarques.com.br

email: arquitetura@fernandamarques.com.brtel: +55 11 3849 3000

with Minor vAriAtions in Finish, wood, steeL, gLAss And MArBLe eMerge As the centrAL MAteriALs used in this ProJect.

trAvertine FLoors Are Present in the rooMs And BAths.