Nestled in the vibrant heart of Rio de Janeiro, Itaúna House is a testament to innovative residential architecture by Siqueira+Azul. This extraordinary project revitalizes an original Oscar Niemeyer design, transforming it into a seamless dialogue between built space and lush landscapes.

Developed as three independent constructions, the project is fully interconnected by pathways structured as passages, walkways, and stairs, providing complete integration. The interior architectural features were adapted, giving way to a new form of appropriation.

The thoughtful expansion incorporates gardens adorned with vertical and horizontal lines, while a new leisure annex elegantly floats between the pool and garden, creating a harmonious balance that invites both relaxation and social gatherings. Large glass walls blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, allowing natural light to flood the interiors while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding greenery.

The oculus, circular in shape, as an observation gap and additional lighting, allows a view into the upper courtyard. The vertical path is marked by a helical staircase to the tower element with large sliding glass panels.

Each room is designed with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing a blend of contemporary aesthetics and functional living spaces. The use of sustainable materials not only enhances the home’s beauty but also reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship. As you wander through Itaúna House, you’re greeted by vibrant colors and textures that echo the dynamic spirit of Rio itself.

In addition to its architectural brilliance, Itaúna House serves as a cultural hub for family gatherings and community events. The expansive terraces are perfect for hosting celebrations or quiet evenings under the stars, fostering connections among friends and loved ones alike. This remarkable residence is more than just a home; it embodies a lifestyle steeped in appreciation for nature and design—an inspiring retreat in one of Brazil’s most iconic cities.

Photos credit: André Nazareth and Ruy Teixeira

Didier Design Studio, a landscape architecture firm based in Fort Collins, Colorado, with expertise in all facets of design and planning, from vision to completion, was selected as the 2024 Jury Winner in Architizer’s Sustainable Landscape/Planning category for their project, “Where the Pollinators Are”. This category awards projects that incorporate sustainable systems and materials, and which follow best practices pertaining to ethical design, construction, and operation.

Understanding and reversing pollinator species disappearances around the world is critical to the continuation of human existence. In the face of environmental and economic disaster, many are left with a sense of powerless inevitability. In response, creative director of Didier Design Studio and lead designer of the Garden, Emmanuel Didier said, “The Pollinator and Bird Garden connects people with the issue of pollinator decline in specific, tangible ways, placing science in the forefront in the context of climate change. There is hope in that action.”

This agenda unfolds across the 3.5-acre garden and realizes three interrelated goals: to directly convey and interpret scientific research being conducted on site, to offer an engaging place for people to learn about pollinator and bird habitats, and to inspire visitors to implement urban habitats within their own private gardens. This latter goal has the potential to exponentially impact the spread of healthier ecological networks across already-developed landscapes.

To realize these goals, Didier assembled a team of design experts and framed the project as a collaborative journey with research staff at The Center for Pollinator Research at Penn State.
Grounded in years of research, the design approach transformed a level pasture to create a diverse set of ecological conditions that could support the wide range of plant species necessary to entice birds and pollinators throughout the seasons. The ground plane was sculpted into an activated terrain, forming a mosaic of seven soil conditions and pollinator-attuned mulches prescribed to create novel land typologies, from swales lined with clay, to loamy soils for wet meadows, and well-draining aggregate soils for dry conditions.

Of this curated experience, Didier said, “We often hear about the alarming amount of species of pollinators disappearing from OUR world today… but I think this garden offers a unique opportunity: to flip the experience, from pollinators in the world of people, to people in the world of pollinators. This garden is an agency in transforming this fundamental relationship: our position in the world today.”

The Pollinator and Bird Garden was also a 2024 World Landscape Architecture Award Shortlist selection and, in 2022, won the American Society of Landscape Architecture – Colorado Honor Award.

Photos credit: Rob Cardillo