Glass walls reveal lush greenery around House NK in Brazilian beach town

Tropical plants, glass and chunks of rock feature in this holiday home in Guarujá, Brazil, designed by local studios Zalc Arquitetura and Rua 141.

The two-storey residence is in the coastal town of Guarujá, which is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from São Paulo and known for its beaches.

House NK by Rua 141 and Zalc Arquitetura

Called House NK, the home spans 400 square metres on a 525-square-metre plot with lush plantings, a garden, outdoor swimming pool and a covered patio. Perimeter property walls are also filled with plants.

"The house was meant to be a place of refuge close to the city of São Paulo," said São Paulo studios Rua 141 and Zalc Arquitetura.

Rectangular in plan and topped with a flat roof, House NK has long balconies with glass railings on its front and rear sides, which are covered by a geometric pergola.

A driveway has grass that grows through slabs of stone, while rough Spanish stones form the walls of the ground level. For a contrast of natural and man-made materials, the upper floor comprises stucco painted pale grey.

The balcony at the front of the home projects to the far side to create a covered entry and carport, in which a glass wall reveals the home's living room.

Upon entering is a foyer that leads to a double-height living and dining room with an expansive glass wall and staircase. Sliding glass doors access an outdoor grill and dining area.

"The aim was to integrate internal and external environments, and the separation between them on the ground floor is almost imperceptible," the team said.

The ground floor also includes the kitchen, a television room, and two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Upstairs is another sitting area with glass railings that overlooks the living room below. Four bedrooms with ensuites are located up here, with two on each side and sliding glass doors to the terraces.

"The plan was to make the most of natural lighting, cross-ventilation, and the presence of nature inside the house."

Bathrooms have skylights to offer natural light and ventilation, in order to reduce the need for electricity, and solar panels are also used for heating water. The surplus heat is used to warm the pool.

White walls are contrasted with the numerous wood furnishing and accents of straw, rattan and hemp for a natural yet contemporary feel.

House NK is furnished with many pieces by Brazilian designers. The rattan sofa and armchairs in the living room are by Bruno Carvalho, and a rope sculpture on the wall near the kitchen is by Eva Soban.

Lamps are by Mel Kawahara, while São Paulo's Estudio Bola designed a coat rack and side tables.