Architectural Cases

The Itupeva House, a distinctive residential project by UNA MUNIZVIEGAS in Brazil, showcases a profound respect for its natural landscape. The architectural concept treats the existing trees, geological formations, and water features as fundamental components of the living space. During the construction process, significant boulders on the site were carefully moved and then reinstated, with some even being repurposed as exterior paving, underscoring a commitment to minimal environmental disruption and resourceful material use. The dwelling's design intelligently responds to the contours of the land, featuring an elevated ground-floor pavilion crafted from glued laminated timber, which accommodates the primary communal areas. This light, permeable structure contrasts with a series of bedrooms for children, which are robustly integrated into the hillside using reinforced concrete, visually anchoring the residence like natural rock formations. Above this concrete foundation, a serene swimming pool acts as a reflective surface, mirroring the verdant forest and completing the meticulously planned outdoor aesthetic, all unified by the core elements of wood, concrete, and water.

This innovative residence is organized into two distinct volumes that adeptly balance private and social functions. The upper timber pavilion, with its open and translucent living spaces, fosters a connection to expansive outdoor views and daily activities, making it ideal for both intimate family life and larger social gatherings. Conversely, the lower concrete level provides more secluded and personal retreats, reinforcing a sense of security and quiet. This thoughtful dichotomy in design ensures that both privacy and hospitality are accommodated without compromise. The material choices further accentuate this contrast: the wooden structure appears weightless and inviting, while the concrete base offers a sense of stability and protection, partially obscured by the terrain itself. Each stage of the construction remains visible, narrating the building's assembly through its layered structure and varied material transitions, highlighting the architectural journey and its integration with the site.

The main access point to the Itupeva House is situated on the elevated northwest side of the property, resembling a welcoming porch that ushers residents and guests directly into the main timber pavilion. This strategic placement elevates the primary living areas, affording sweeping vistas across the landscape. Large sections of the house extend into covered terraces, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living and offering direct access to the gardens and the pool. Given the local climate, these shaded outdoor zones are designed for prolonged daily use, providing essential respite from both sun and rain. A thoughtfully designed system of deep eaves and protruding balconies defines the timber roof, which also incorporates a secondary ceiling layer. This creates a ventilated air cavity, significantly enhancing thermal performance and reducing the need for mechanical cooling. The roof also plays a crucial role in passive temperature regulation by collecting rainwater, capable of lowering interior temperatures by up to ten degrees. This holistic approach ensures that the house not only coexists with the natural environment but actively reconfigures it into a coherent and enriching living experience, embodying a philosophy where architecture enhances, rather than diminishes, its surroundings.

Immerse Yourself in Art: Where Function Meets Form

The Genesis of LOHO Collabs: Merging Ceramic Craft with Sculptural Artistry

Studio LOHO, a name synonymous with monumental, hand-shaped ceramic bath fixtures since its establishment in 2017, has embarked on an exciting new venture: LOHO Collabs. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional ceramic production and contemporary art. Their inaugural collaboration sees them partner with the esteemed Belgian artist, Sharon Van Overmeiren. This alliance promises to introduce Van Overmeiren's distinctive sculptural language into the functional realm of Studio LOHO's ceramic creations, challenging the conventional boundaries of bath design.

Studio LOHO's Distinctive Ceramic Craft: Hand-Shaping Architectural Forms

Operating from their Bruges workshop, Studio LOHO has carved a niche for crafting substantial ceramic bathtubs and washbasins. Their signature process involves meticulously shaping thick-walled volumes from solid clay, eschewing molds to allow for a more organic, hand-worked aesthetic. This method results in subtly imperfect textures that chronicle the making process, ensuring each piece possesses a unique character. This dedication to handcraft sets the stage for a collaboration that celebrates both artistic expression and material integrity.

The Artistic Vision of Sharon Van Overmeiren: Infusing Narratives into Clay

Sharon Van Overmeiren, known for her sculptural works that draw inspiration from diverse historical and symbolic references, brings a rich narrative quality to this collaboration. Her art often evokes fragments of larger stories, giving solid form to abstract concepts. While clay has been a recurring medium in her practice, this project represents her first foray into applying her unique vocabulary to fully functional, large-scale objects. The ceramic bathtubs provide an expansive canvas for her artistic interventions, allowing organic motifs and ambiguous emblems to emerge from the surfaces.

Sculpting with Clay: A Dialogue Between Materiality and Artistic Expression

The collaborative process between Studio LOHO and Sharon Van Overmeiren is deeply rooted in the inherent properties of ceramic. Understanding how clay responds to pressure, gravity, and moisture is paramount to their approach. Relief elements are masterfully integrated into the tubs' mass, ensuring a continuous surface rather than a superimposed layer. Once fired, these surfaces achieve a profound density, allowing light to gracefully highlight their shallow recesses and rounded contours. This careful consideration of material ensures that the artistic additions feel integral to the structure.

Preserving Studio LOHO's Identity: Sculptural Embellishments on Functional Forms

Despite the artistic interventions, the characteristic proportions of Studio LOHO's bathtubs remain evident. Their low, broad profiles and thick rims underscore a sense of permanence and solidity. Van Overmeiren's contributions serve not to disrupt this foundational geometry but to introduce a secondary, interpretive layer across the surfaces. This approach extends to the accompanying washbasins, where sculpted details echo the artistic language of the bathtubs, creating a cohesive collection where art and utility coexist harmoniously.

The Monolithic Technique: Celebrating Individuality and Human Touch

Each bathtub is crafted from a single block of clay using a monolithic technique that demands considerable patience and physical exertion. This labor-intensive method guarantees that every piece is unique, with subtle variations in modeling, drying, and firing contributing to distinct tonal and contour differences. These individual characteristics reinforce the handmade quality and artistic individuality of each object. The design thoughtfully balances the smooth, immersive interior with the sculpturally articulated exterior, making each bathtub both a functional item and a striking piece of art.