A Trio Of Vacation Houses Built With Prefab Metal Panels

Not everything goes according to plan, especially when taking on a big project. However, sometimes that works out for the better, like in the case of the project done by studio Porto Quadrado in 2018. Originally, the plan was to build a vacation home which was to be shared by three families. However, the beautiful site and the landscape surrounding it inspired the team to construct not one but three structures. They ended up building three box-like units with a surface of 35 square meters each.

All three structures have the same size and they all enjoy a strong relationship with their surroundings
All three structures have the same size and they all enjoy a strong relationship with their surroundings

They used corrugated metal panels for all of them. By using prefabricated panels the team managed to assemble all three units in under 2 days which saved a lot of time and effort and also kept the overall cost of the project low. In addition, the panels came with built-in conduits for the electrical and plumbing services which was very convenient

Sliding doors expose the interior living spaces to the wooden deck and the vast outdoor area surrounding it
Sliding doors expose the interior living spaces to the wooden deck and the vast outdoor area surrounding it
The exterior design of the houses is very industrial and does little to help them blend in
The exterior design of the houses is very industrial and does little to help them blend in

This trio of small vacation homes is nestled in the forest in the Rio Grande do Sul region of Brazil. They’re surrounded by lots of greenery and tall trees and they stand out. On the outside they look like rigid metal boxes which them a strong industrial vibe, On the inside however they’re covered in wooden panels which creates a warm, inviting and comfortable ambiance. Furthermore, the units are mixed in with all the greenery and the result is a very pleasant series of indoor and outdoor spaces that interact with one another. Combined, these small vacation homes include all the necessary amenities and spaces such a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, a living room as well as a foyer and a barbecue area. They also have wooden decks that act as extensions of the indoor living areas.

A small raised deck offers the perfect place to hang a hammock
A small raised deck offers the perfect place to hang a hammock
The general design direction is focused on simplicity, functionality and efficiency
The general design direction is focused on simplicity, functionality and efficiency
Each of the three houses enjoys beautiful views of the forest surroundings
Each of the three houses enjoys beautiful views of the forest surroundings
The natural landscape was preserved intact as much as possible which was made easy by the quick assembly process
The natural landscape was preserved intact as much as possible which was made easy by the quick assembly process
The houses have flat metal roofs which gives them a low profile and a box-like shape
The houses have flat metal roofs which gives them a low profile and a box-like shape
In total, 48 prefabricated metal panels were used for the three houses
In total, 48 prefabricated metal panels were used for the three houses
The rigid metal exterior contrasts with the organic forms and the natural surroundings
The rigid metal exterior contrasts with the organic forms and the natural surroundings
All three houses were assembled in only a day and a half
All three houses were assembled in only a day and a half