Located in the lush tropical forest of Guarujá, Brazil, the Canopy House by Studio MK27 exemplifies a balance between modern architecture and the natural environment. Designed meticulously to minimize disturbance to its surroundings, the house reflects a profound respect for the land. The site’s steep slopes posed unique challenges, demanding a design that harmonizes with the dense Atlantic Forest. Studio MK27’s ethos—rooted in Brazilian modernism—shines through in this project, offering a poetic reinterpretation of architecture that embraces cultural identity and environmental sensitivity.
Canopy House Technical Information
- Architects1-8: Studio MK27
- Location: Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil
- Site Area: 1,932 m²
- Built Area: 785 m²
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Fernando Guerra
The white prism is suspended by a sequence of stilts, so the house barely touches the ground.
– Studio MK27 Architects
Canopy House Photographs
Architectural Strategy: Balancing the Built and Natural Environment
The Canopy House is a structural and conceptual masterpiece. The design centers on a white prism delicately suspended on a sequence of stilts. This ingenious solution ensures the house barely touches the ground, preserving the integrity of the forest floor. Access to the residence is equally experiential: a spiral staircase connects the open terrace to the private quarters, creating an intentional dialogue between occupants and their surroundings.
Above the prism lies an elevated platform that blurs the line between interior and exterior spaces. Enclosed by sliding glass panels, this living area fosters a sense of immersion in the vibrant canopy of the Atlantic Forest. The subtle transitions between the house’s spaces emphasize the fluid interplay between architecture and nature, inviting occupants to experience the jungle’s sights, sounds, and smells firsthand. The structure is a testament to Studio MK27’s philosophy of formal simplicity and meticulous attention to detail.
Interior Design: A Tribute to Brazilian Culture
Inside Canopy House, Studio MK27 celebrates Brazilian cultural heritage through a rich tapestry of materials, textures, and craftsmanship. The interiors showcase national contemporary design, traditional craftsmanship, and curated artwork, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity.
Central to the design is the cobogó, a traditional Brazilian lattice element custom-designed for this project. The intricate patterns it casts onto the walls and floors evolve throughout the day, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Straw pendants by Israel Piaçava and sliding mashrabiya panels enrich the tactile experience, while the Vivi armchair by Sergio Rodrigues and coffee tables by Pedro Petry embody the sophistication of Brazilian modernist furniture.
Every material and object is a narrative thread in the story of Brazil—wood, straw, and concrete converge to form a harmonious composition that pays homage to the region’s cultural and natural wealth. The interior’s seamless connection with the surrounding forest amplifies the sensory experience, making the house a celebration of both design and environment.
Studio MK27’s Architectural Language
Canopy House epitomizes Studio MK27’s architectural language: a blend of modernist ideals with contemporary innovation. The suspended prism and elevated platform demonstrate a refined understanding of spatial relationships, creating a structure that feels both monumental and respectful of its natural context.
The house’s commitment to environmental harmony is commendable, with its light footprint and open design fostering an immersive connection to the forest. As a cultural artifact, Canopy House is a triumph. It showcases the beauty of Brazilian design through its thoughtful selection of materials and objects while also reinforcing the importance of cultural identity in contemporary architecture. This project is not merely a home but an experience, a dialogue between nature and human creation.
Canopy House Image Gallery
About Studio MK27
Marcio Kogan is a renowned Brazilian architect and founder of Studio MK27, based in São Paulo. Born in 1952, Kogan graduated from the Mackenzie Presbyterian University School of Architecture and began his career in both architecture and filmmaking. Deeply influenced by Brazilian modernism, his work embodies a seamless blend of formal simplicity, cultural expression, and meticulous craftsmanship. Under his leadership, Studio MK27 has become an internationally celebrated firm known for its innovative yet contextually sensitive designs.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Architecture: Studio MK27
- Lead Architect: Marcio Kogan
- Co-Architects: Regiane Leão and Marcio Tanaka
- Interior Design: Diana Radomysler
- Interiors Co-Author: Gustavo Ramos
- Project Team: Julia Jobim, Oswaldo Pessano
- Communications Team: Carlos Costa, Nathalia Lima, Tamara Lichtenstein
- Source: V2com
