Laurent Troost's Campinarana: A Masterpiece of Sustainable Architecture

Reversing Traditional Housing Typology for Sustainability

The Campinarana house, named after the pre-existing Amazon forest it was designed to preserve, is a radical reinterpretation of the classic housing typology. Laurent Troost, the mastermind behind this design, ingeniously reversed the traditional layout by placing sleeping rooms on the ground floor and living spaces on the upper floor. This strategic move was aimed at minimizing the footprint of the house, thereby preserving the local ecological system.

Located in Manaus, Amazon, Brazil, the house is built to withstand the extreme natural conditions of the Amazon. The proximity to the equatorial zone necessitates an architecture oriented towards thermal comfort and passive sustainability. The design incorporates protective eaves, adequate footprint, and cross ventilation openings, all aimed at enhancing thermal comfort. The choice of Corten as the roof material, due to its low maintenance and evolutionary character, harmonizes with the Campinarana's reddish clay soil, further integrating the house with its natural surroundings.

The house is divided into two large volumes to optimize exposure to climatic factors. The longitudinal volume houses functions that do not need protection from the sun, such as the garage, storage, pool, and laundry. The transversal volume, on the other hand, houses functions that require protection from the sun and rain, including the living, dining, kitchen, and bedrooms. The fully glazed living room, with sliding windows on both sides and glass fins on the third side, allows complete integration with the covered terrace, solarium, pool, and nature.

Despite the challenges associated with sustainable design, Laurent Troost and his team managed to create a low-cost, sustainable house without compromising on aesthetics or functionality. The Campinarana house was awarded Silver in the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2019, a testament to its outstanding design and innovation.

Laurent Troost's Campinarana house is a shining example of how architecture can be used to promote sustainable living. By redefining the traditional housing typology and incorporating passive sustainability features, this design offers a unique approach to living harmoniously with nature. It is a reminder that with creativity and innovation, we can create designs that not only meet our needs but also preserve and enhance the natural environment.