Single Wall Residence: A Dialogue Between Nature and Minimalism

An 80-Meter Bamboo Wall Redefines Contemporary Living

Single Wall Residence, designed by Pedro Sunyé of Suna Arquitetura, stands as a testament to the power of simplicity in architectural expression. The project’s defining feature—an 80-meter-long pressed bamboo wall—serves as both a structural and organizational element, seamlessly dividing social and service areas while supporting a suspended bedroom volume. This linear gesture not only shapes the residence’s spatial experience but also ensures privacy, openness, and a profound connection to the surrounding tropical landscape.

Material honesty is at the core of the design, with exposed concrete, pressed bamboo, and Brazilian marble taking center stage. The interplay of these raw materials creates a tactile, immersive environment that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior. The use of advanced structural techniques, such as post-tensioned concrete for the 12.5-meter free span and 6.5-meter cantilever, is complemented by vernacular methods including ribbed formwork and raw wood props. The bamboo wall, manufactured in China, fulfills both aesthetic and load-bearing functions, while high-performance glazing systems allow the glass panels to fully retract, dissolving the barrier between the home and its lush setting.

Circulation within the residence is intuitively guided by the continuous bamboo wall, which subtly separates public and private zones. The absence of visual barriers and the integration of cross ventilation, natural light, and strategic shading ensure environmental comfort without reliance on artificial systems. This hospitality-inspired layout fosters a sense of fluidity and contemplation, offering residents a sensory immersion in nature.

The project’s realization demanded rigorous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to its conceptual purity. Achieving visual continuity and material precision required meticulous coordination among the design team, led by Pedro Sunyé, interior designer Gabriela Casagrande, project coordinator Thallita Souza, and structural engineer Mauer Egas. Their collaborative efforts ensured that the architectural vision was maintained from conception in Curitiba (2021–2022) to completion in Angra dos Reis (2024).

Recognized with the Silver A' Design Award in 2025, Single Wall Residence is celebrated for its technical excellence, artistic innovation, and the emotional resonance it evokes. The project challenges conventional notions of residential architecture, inviting reflection on the value of simplicity and the potential for built forms to become extensions of the natural world.

Single Wall Residence exemplifies how clarity, material integrity, and thoughtful integration with the landscape can redefine contemporary living. The project stands as an invitation to reconsider the essentials of architecture, advocating for environments that are both functional and profoundly connected to their context.