Arquipélago 

In the Serra da Bocaina, Arquipélago has designed a residence carefully integrated into a steep mountain escarpment. The house is built around a massive rock, which defines the organization of the structure. A rhythmic wooden frame folds in an arc around the stone, held taut and stable by steel cables. At both ends, the roof extends outward, while an orange-tiled covering projects beyond the structure on all sides, accentuating its presence within the landscape.


The exposed setting subjects the house to intense light, drifting mist, and sudden storms. The combination of timber and steel creates a lightweight yet robust framework, allowing the architecture to respond to the natural conditions of the escarpment. The structure’s precision contrasts with the unpredictability of its surroundings, balancing permanence with the delicacy of its integration.


Photographer Pedro Kok documented the project over three days, capturing the way the house interacts with changing weather and light conditions. His images highlight the dialogue between the wooden frame, the protruding roof, and the surrounding mountain.



Casa na Fazenda Bocaina exemplifies Arquipélago’s approach: architecture that respects and engages with its context. By building around the rock and adapting the structure to the site, the project demonstrates how careful integration can enhance the experience of landscape, creating a residence that is both rooted and responsive.