Mareines Arquitetura’s wave house in Rio de Janeiro
Wave House, crafted by Mareines Arquitetura, sits atop the Tijucas Islands in Rio de Janeiro, elevated 65 meters above sea level on a rugged granite monolith. Its positioning offers exclusive vistas of the sea and sky, enjoying the ambient sounds of nature. Taking cues from the movement of waves, the roof design mimics their fluidity, thus earning its name. Constructed with pine shingles and curved eucalyptus laminated wood beams, supported by circular galvanized steel pillars, the house takes on a shape reminiscent of a vessel traversing the open waters. Given the narrow plot and towering perimeter walls, the design extends horizontally, creating openings for access and views of the sea.
images by Leonardo Finotti and Jacques Paul Barthelemy (drone)
stepping into the ship-like House
The house comprises four floors, accessible via stairs or a hydraulic glass piston elevator. The first floor, serving as the main access level, includes the laundry area, kitchen, and living and dining rooms. On the floor above, there are staff quarters, a guest bedroom, and a TV room. The lower level provides direct access to nature, featuring a winding infinity pool separating the sea from the landscaped garden, along with an acerola tree and vertical garden. Additionally, this level houses a lounge with a gourmet area, bar, sauna, and changing room. Descending to the final floor, an intimate space accommodates three suites, a family room, and a playroom.
the roof is made of curved eucalyptus wood beams with pine shingles, held up by circular steel pillars
the house’s shape resembles a ship that cuts through the waves
a winding infinity pool separates the sea from the landscaped garden
to deal with the narrow plot and tall surrounding walls, the solution was to extend the house plan from one neighbor to the next
the lower level offers direct contact with nature
project info:
name: Wave House
architecture: Mareines Arquitetura | @mareinesarquitetura
location: Rio de Janeiro
year: 2016
total area: 1.000 sqm
photography: Leonardo Finotti and Jacques Paul Barthelemy (drone)