Casa Attico: the harmony between wind, dunes, and contemporary architecture
Attic House, a project by Atelier Matteo Arnone, skillfully combines contemporary architecture and Brazilian nature, harnessing the wind to create comfortable indoor spaces integrated into the landscape.
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24 Oct 2024
Giulia Schellino Puccio
Architecture born from the wind
In the northeast of Brazil, on the shore of São Miguel do Gostoso, Casa Attico emerges delicately from the natural landscape. Designed by Atelier Matteo Arnone, this residence is an example of how architecture can respond to morphological and climatic contexts, in this case guided by the constant wind that blows all year round. The house not only utilizes natural ventilation, but transforms it into a key component of its spatial design.
Strategically positioned on the dunes, Casa Attico rises just enough to offer a spectacular view of the sea, becoming a visual reference point for the surrounding landscape. This interaction between the construction and the terrain allows the house to harmoniously integrate into the environment, maintaining a distinctive structure without ever overpowering it.
Ventilation Management: the Heart of the Project
One of the most fascinating aspects of this architectural project is the wise use of natural ventilation, which defines the very shape of the house. Matteo Arnone designed the building as a sort of wind machine. The ground floor, in fact, is structured to capture and channel the wind coming from the east through a series of patios. The wind enters forcefully, but the arrangement of walls and openings slows it down, distributing a pleasant breeze that flows through all the rooms.
This system is particularly evident in the four symmetrical bedrooms on the ground floor, which benefit from constant and natural ventilation. The use of internal patios not only facilitates the airflow but also creates points of natural light and spaces of connection between the interior and exterior.
The tower: a breathing structure
Ascending levels, the house develops into a tower that represents a very interesting technical and formal solution. The walls of the tower are composed of two layers of brick masonry, between which air can circulate freely, creating a natural ventilation of the facade. This detail not only ensures optimal thermal comfort but also adds a unique character to the building, making the tower a focal point both aesthetically and functionally.
On the upper floor, the space becomes more intimate and private. The interaction with the surrounding nature intensifies as one moves away from the main living area, reaching the top level where a small space allows for contemplating the landscape in total tranquility.
The kitchen: the core of the house
The kitchen, positioned at the center of the ground floor, is the beating heart of Attico House. Designed to visually dominate the entire floor plan, it overlooks four patios that connect the various internal spaces, thus organizing circulation and flows within the building. The choice of a central position is not only functional but also symbolizes the role of the kitchen as a meeting and socializing point.
Another interesting detail is the circular opening between the ground floor and the first floor, which allows a visual connection between the kitchen and the living and office space on the upper level. This enables natural light to penetrate deeper into the spaces and create a sense of openness and continuity between the various levels of the house.
The importance of landscape and interior spaces
One of the distinctive elements of Casa Attico is the skill with which Matteo Arnone has integrated the interior with the exterior, respecting and enhancing the surrounding natural landscape. The layout of the interior spaces follows a precise logic, where each environment is designed to offer comfort and functionality without ever losing sight of the connection with the external environment.
In particular, the top floor of the tower provides a space for contemplating the landscape, a place of refuge and isolation, from which one can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and the dunes. This continuous dialogue between interior and exterior characterizes the entire project, transforming Casa Attico into an example of architecture sensitive to the natural context.
