Tempo House: A Fusion of Nature and Art in Rio de Janeiro

A Complete Refurbishment of a Colonial House by Gisele Taranto Arquitetura

The inspiration for the Tempo House stemmed from the site itself, which boasts exotic trees and plants originally designed by renowned landscape architect Burle Marx. The main objective was to blur the boundaries between the exterior and interior by incorporating large windows and doors that frame the extraordinary garden scenery. The house acts as a neutral backdrop, allowing the art pieces to take center stage, akin to an art gallery.

What sets the Tempo House apart is its unique approach to preserving the original dimensions and distribution of the 1500 sq meters colonial house while giving it a more contemporary look. Only the interior walls were demolished and rebuilt with a new layout, while the exterior structure remained intact, enveloped with a new facade that maintains the house's original charm.

The Brazilian climate, with its year-round outdoor living opportunities, also presented challenges. To address this, the design incorporates a large canopy surrounding the house and wooden exterior slat screens that provide control over brightness and thermal comfort. The house also features hidden solar panels on the roof and a rainwater collection system, making the most of the weather's adversities in a sustainable manner.

The Tempo House boasts several notable technical specifications, including a striking 2.20 x 6.20 meters high wooden door that influences the double height of the house. This door, 200mm thick, required a special car absorber hidden in the floor to facilitate its handling. Additionally, the original flooring, made from the endangered wood species White Peroba, was recovered and used in the intimate areas, adding a touch of natural elegance.

Designed as a complete refurbishment, the Tempo House is divided into two blocks: one dedicated to social areas and the other to service areas. The layout was carefully planned to minimize corridors and maximize interaction with the garden and lounge areas, creating a seamless flow throughout the house.

The project, which took one year and four months to complete, is a testament to the designer's commitment to unique and site-specific designs. Frequent visits to art fairs provided inspiration for colors, textures, volumes, and concepts, while ongoing architectural research ensured the project's contemporary standards were met while respecting the site's particularities.

The Tempo House faced numerous challenges, including integrating the existing garden by Burle Marx and renovating a colonial house. The design successfully overcame these challenges by seamlessly blending the exterior and interior spaces and meeting the distinctive needs of the art collector client. The harsh climate conditions of Rio de Janeiro were also addressed through innovative solutions such as the wooden exterior slat screens and rainwater collection system, ensuring a sustainable and comfortable home.

The Tempo House is a testament to the fusion of art, nature, and design. It showcases the beauty of Brazilian architecture and the ability to create a harmonious living space that celebrates both the natural surroundings and the client's art collection.

Image Credits: MCA Estudio

Awards and Accolades: The Tempo House was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2014 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill demonstrated in the design. The Tempo House captivates with its technical excellence and evokes positive emotions, amazement, and wonder.