E S T Ú D I O
fmm16
wind house
single family house
built
cuiaba-mt-brazil
200m²
2008
frederico m. montanha
angela kurmann
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The house is located in Cuiabá and is embraced by the Brazilian “Cerrado,” a native biome. The project is named the Wind House due to its seamless, fluid integration between the nature and the dwellers. Here, the wind and rain are welcomed as part of the family. These natural elements cool the living spaces through organic processes, reminding all residents that Mother Nature is an essential part of everyone’s daily life.
The balcony has a stunning view of the forest in front of the plot, where it is possible to enjoy the beautiful sunset of this region. The balcony also integrates visually the wood with all the common rooms. The veranda, a typical element of a traditional dwelling, is where all the social life is concentrated, in a playful mix of voids and full spaces that allows the free circulation of the natural wind that comes from the green area in front.
The veranda is sheltered by a roof with a traditional wooden structure and clay tiles. The private areas and bedrooms are located in a block with a very simple shape. These face south to minimize solar incidence, a crucial strategy to mitigate the extreme heat that persists in this region year-round. The resulting energy savings are remarkably significant when compared to similar buildings located within this same specific part of the city.
Utilizing affordable materials, optimized solar orientation, and passive cooling via natural ventilation makes the design highly efficient. Double walls with cost-effective insulation on the north facade and thermal tiles ensure a comfortable climate. There is no need for air conditioning, even during the hottest summer days. Wind House stands as a testament to the power of low-tech, high-intelligence design in a tropical context.
Thus it challenges the assumption that fully passive cooling is impossible in this region. By prioritising low embodied energy during construction and maximising operational efficiency, the project invites a necessary dialogue between the resourcefulness of the Global South and the high-tech sustainability of wealthier nations. It is an architecture of necessity, proving efficiency is a matter of poetic and climatic sensitivity.
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estudio kmmk
Zürich | ZH | Switzerland
