Modern House Embraces The Rugged Terrain And Makes The Most Of It

In the case of rugged terrain areas, it’s often the site that dictates how a house should be built, designed and oriented and architects have to face unique challenges and to find custom solutions to every problem. All of that has to be done while also taking into consideration each client’s requests and desires. The FY House is an interesting example in that sense. Located in Jaraguá do Sul, in Brazil, the house was completed in 2015 by PJV Arquitetura. It may look imposing and massive but its interior is surprisingly welcoming and full of stylish features.

The FY House is a beautiful residence on a relatively remote site along the road
The FY House is a beautiful residence on a relatively remote site along the road
The site on which it was built has a steep slope which the house embraces with all its structure
The site on which it was built has a steep slope which the house embraces with all its structure

The site on which it stands has a steep slope, hence the challenges we mentioned. The architects decided to embrace the slope and to structure the house on two main floors, the upper one being the most impressive. The entrance hall is situated at an intermediate level and has a glass ceiling which lets in lots of natural light during the day and offers a really cool view of the sky at night.

The side of the house facing the road doesn't have windows and instead the light enters through holes in the facade
The side of the house facing the road doesn’t have windows and instead the light enters through holes in the facade
The back facade has an extended roof which hangs over an outdoor living space
The back facade has an extended roof which hangs over an outdoor living space

The house is structured into two long and rectangular volumes that measure 26m x 40m. The lower volume contains the social spaces and opens onto a suspended terrace. It also includes the service areas and the garage. The upper level is supported at one end by the ground and on the other by a cylindrical pillar, forming an open but protected garage area for two cars.

The western facade is partially covered in perforated panels made of corten steel
The western facade is partially covered in perforated panels made of corten steel
The perforated panels let light escape through them in both directions, creating beautiful effects
The perforated panels let light escape through them in both directions, creating beautiful effects
The perforations in the steel panels are actually little squares of various different dimensions
The perforations in the steel panels are actually little squares of various different dimensions

The clients wanted the house to avoid the mainstream designs and to be different and special in its own way. They wanted it to be designed with raw materials which could connect it to the rugged terrain that surrounds it. The architects chose a combination of reinforced concrete, corten steel, glass and black metal profiles which combined give the house an imposing look which blends modern and industrial features.

The connection with the outdoors is emphasized by the presence of various open spaces like this wooden deck
The connection with the outdoors is emphasized by the presence of various open spaces like this wooden deck
The open terrace/ deck offers a wonderful panorama over the surrounding landscape
The open terrace/ deck offers a wonderful panorama over the surrounding landscape

The western facade features these eye-catching panels made of perforated corten steel. They let light get in and out through a series of small square-shaped holes which create interesting visual effects. During the day, natural sunlight enters the house and is projected on the walls and floor and during the night the artificial light from inside the house forms an eye-catching pattern which links the house to the city lights visible in the distance.

Raw and simple materials were used for both the interior and the exterior of the house
Raw and simple materials were used for both the interior and the exterior of the house
The communal spaces are open and well-connected to their surroundings and to the outdoors
The communal spaces are open and well-connected to their surroundings and to the outdoors

The interior spaces are open and in certain cases divided by glass panels which let the light travel through while also ensuring a smooth transition between the volumes. the social areas are also seamlessly connected to an open terrace which can serve as an extension of the internal space as well as a separate volume. The private areas which are situated on the upper level benefit from beautiful views of the surroundings and have their own connections to the outdoors.

The living, dining and kitchen areas open up to a covered terrace with a fireplace and a bar
The living, dining and kitchen areas open up to a covered terrace with a fireplace and a bar
The bedrooms are designed to be simple and to feel inviting and comfortable
The bedrooms are designed to be simple and to feel inviting and comfortable
Glass was used for the ceilings in this bathroom and the entrance hallway
Glass was used for the ceilings in this bathroom and the entrance hallway