Architects: JBMC Arquitetura e Urbanismo
Area: 204 m², 284m² (Site Area)
Year: 2024
Photographs: Rafa D’Andrea
Architecture: Arq. João Batista Martinez Corrêa, Arq. Beatriz Pimenta Corrêa, Arq. Frederico Barros de Freitas
Collaborators: Arq. Christian Oliveira, Arq. Antônio Quadros, Arq. Gabriela Assis,Arq. Isabel Ventre e Proj. Marco Antônio Busto Petaes
Landscape: Izabel Pimenta Corrêa e Tulio Pocciotti
Electrical Engineering: Joao Luiz Polcaro e Adilson Pena
Structural Engineering: Alleoni Engenharia
Preliminary Metal Engineering: Daniel Pelon
Metal Engineering Execution: Joao Alfredo Azzi Pitta e Admilson Aparecido Bortolin
Hydraulics: Install Engenharia
Management: Planner Engenharia e Gerenciamento
Execution: José Fernando Martinez
Metalic Structure: Multi Steel
Woodwork: Rewood
City: Araraquara
Country: Brazil
Araraquara House, designed by JBMC Arquitetura e Urbanismo, is located on Avenida Espanha and marks a personal and professional milestone for João Batista Martinez Corrêa. Developed as an experimental project, it integrates innovative materials and BIM technology for precision and coordination. Built on a compact plot behind the family home, the first floor houses social areas, while the second floor features three bedrooms, a studio, and a TV room, arranged around a central void that enhances airflow and natural light. The structure, made of steel, wood, and concrete, was prefabricated in Ibaté and assembled on-site with four reinforced concrete pillars supporting large spans. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) was used for the upper floor slab and external walls, ensuring thermal comfort and energy efficiency, while a steel lantern structure enables natural ventilation through convection.
Casa Araraquara, situated on the iconic Avenida Espanha in the city that inspired its name, marks a significant milestone for JBMC Arquitetura e Urbanismo and its founder, João Batista Martinez Corrêa. After more than four decades of work on projects across Brazil, he returns to his hometown to realize the dream of building a residence in the city where he was born and lived until the age of 18, alongside his parents, siblings, and cousins.
The project serves as an opportunity to experiment with new construction techniques and materials, emphasizing its innovative approach and creative freedom. With its façade oriented toward the lush greenery of the avenue, the residence blends seamlessly into the surroundings, embodying a design that balances functionality and a strong connection to nature.
Developed during the pandemic isolation period, the project extensively utilized BIM technology to ensure precision and coordination across all disciplines, from structural design to electrical and plumbing systems. This collaborative approach was crucial in overcoming the challenges of restricted on-site presence during construction.
Built on a small plot behind the family home, the house features two main floors and a technical area designated for the water and air conditioning systems. The first floor contains the social spaces, including the living room, dining area, integrated kitchen, laundry room, and powder room. Strategically placed openings at the front and back create a seamless connection between the interior and the green surroundings of the neighborhood.
The second floor, designated for private spaces, includes three small bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a studio, and a TV room, all arranged around a central void that offers views of the lower level, the pool, and the surrounding trees. At the center of this floor, a glass skylight enhances natural lighting and promotes air circulation through a chimney effect, improving ventilation across both floors.
The house’s structure is composed of steel, wood, and concrete, balancing solidity and lightness. Designed with tubular steel profiles, the structure was prefabricated in Ibaté, allowing for pre-assembly and testing before on-site installation, ensuring a precise and efficient construction process. The steel framework is supported by four reinforced concrete pillars, cast on-site and positioned peripherally, enabling large spans on the first floor.
The use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) for the upper floor slab was an innovative choice, even in wet areas like the bathrooms, which received special waterproofing treatment. In dry areas, the flooring was sanded and treated with resin, preserving the wood’s natural appearance. To adapt to Araraquara’s warm climate, the external walls incorporate CLT panels, rock wool insulation, and cementitious cladding, ensuring thermal comfort and energy efficiency indoors.
Another key feature of the project is the natural ventilation system, facilitated by a tubular steel lantern positioned between the technical floor and the upper floor. This convection-based solution ensures continuous airflow, maintaining a cool and comfortable indoor environment while also preventing rainwater ingress.
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Project Location
Address: Araraquara, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
