House AEA Landscaping

Angra dos Reis, Brazil

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House AEA Landscaping

Angra dos Reis, Brazil

Firm

Rodrigo Oliveira Paisagismo

Type

Landscape + Planning › Private Garden

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2022

SIZE

25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft

Surrounded by the dense vegetation of the Atlantic Forest on the coast of Rio de Janeiro, this landscape design accompanies the construction of a new seaside vacation home with privileged views of the Angra dos Reis archipelago.

The 7,000-square-meter plot preserves a virtually untouched landscape — comprising large trees, native tropical vegetation, and rock formations. It was in this setting that, decades ago, the homeowner built his first residence, positioned at the top of the hill with a sweeping 180-degree view of the bay.

Over the years, through a deep connection with the place and a growing understanding of the potential for integration between architecture and nature, he realized it was time to build a new home — closer to the water and dedicated to family leisure.

Jacobsen Arquitetura, the original architecture firm, was once again invited to design the new residence. The project respects the footprint of a previous structure on the site and preserves the land’s natural features, creating a refuge in full harmony with the environment.

Playing an essential role in the ensemble, the landscaping — designed by Rodrigo Oliveira — embraces a naturalistic approach. The goal is to emulate the spontaneity of native vegetation, promote biodiversity, and evoke the ecosystems typical of the Atlantic Forest — as if the new plantings had always belonged there.

In this Japanese philosophy, for the experience to be truly immersive, naturalistic landscaping must embody five fundamental principles (the 5 I’s): it should be inexplicable, requiring no rational justification; imperfect, embracing asymmetry and irregularity as part of its beauty; intuitive, arising from sensitive rather than logical decisions; intriguing, sparking the observer’s curiosity; and unpredictable, reflecting the ever-changing, organic nature of life.

These concepts take shape in the garden, designed in two distinct stages. The first is more introspective, located at the foot of the mountain and immersed in dense forest. The second is more open and flat, set in a sunny clearing that invites social interaction and contemplation of the ocean and islands on the horizon.
Access to the house is possible in two ways: by sea, via a private pier that extends over the calm waters; or by land, through a winding road that climbs the mountain to the upper entrance.

At the highest point, a lush garden welcomes visitors and sets the tone for the experience ahead. Among the standout species are: Calathea lutea (Maranta charuto), Philodendron undulatum (Filodendro-ondulado), Chamaedorea erumpens (Palmeira-bambu), and Maranta burle-marxii (Maranta burle marx).

A small trail leads visitors to the pool level, like a path gradually revealing itself. Along the way, notable species include: Dypsis lutescens (Areca-bambu), Chamaedorea erumpens (Palmeira-bambu), Chamaedorea cataractarum (Palmeira-cataratas), Philodendron undulatum (Filodendro-ondulado), and Philodendron plowmanii (Filodendro-plowmanii).

The architecture, slightly elevated from the ground, is softened by plantings of Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Guaimbê), which conceal the stone walls and give the impression that the house emerges from the landscape itself. The vegetation also acts as a natural barrier between the veranda and the lawn, while large rocks preserve the site’s authentic character.

At the far left of the property, the vegetation becomes denser. New species blend with native ones, including palms such as Euterpe edulis (Palmito-jussara) and Euterpe oleracea (Palmito-açaí), as well as Nephrolepis exaltata (Samambaia-da-Jamaica), Callisia repens (Dinheiro-em-penca), Blechnum brasiliense (Samambaia-de-mata), Strelitzia augusta (Strelitzia-branca), and Epipremnum aureum (Jibóia). The variety of heights, volumes, and textures fosters a seamless transition between the shrub layer and the towering trees.

The sinuous pool, which follows the contours of the land, serves as a visual bridge between the built structure and the natural surroundings. The surrounding landscape design establishes a gentle connection between the native forest and the lawn, with planting beds strategically arranged to preserve unobstructed ocean views.

From the clearing, stone pathways guide residents through a series of experiences — alternating between open, sunlit areas and passages immersed in foliage. Near the pool, a large native tree casts its shade over a cozy outdoor lounge area.

On the upper level, the hallway that connects the bedrooms opens to the rear of the property, revealing the topography and plant biodiversity — especially Philodendron undulatum, Arachis repens (Grama-amendoim), and Chamaedorea erumpens (Palmeira-bambu). From the bedroom balconies, which face the ocean, the garden below can be admired.

In this project, the variation of foliage, volumes, and shades creates a landscape where the new garden merges seamlessly with the local nature — allowing comfort and well-being to coexist with preservation and the exuberance of the natural environment.

Project: AEA House Landscaping
Location: Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Year of Completion: 2022
Site Area: 6,911 m²
Architecture: Jacobsen Arquitetura
Landscape Design: Rodrigo Oliveira Paisagismo
Text / Communications: Matheus Pereira
Photography: Fernando Guerra

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House AEA Landscaping

Angra dos Reis, Brazil

Other Projects by Rodrigo Oliveira Paisagismo

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House AEA Landscaping

Angra dos Reis, Brazil

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