Located on the corners of
Igarapava and Sambaíba streets, in the lower part of Alto Leblon, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, the
Igara Building has an architectural project by
Cité Arquitetura – from the
CASACOR Rio cast –, by partners
Fernando Costa and Celso Rayol , landscaping by
Embyá and interiors by
Manga Rosa Arquitetura .
Igara is inspired by the name of the streets that surround it, consolidating a direct connection with the vocation of the place.
The etymology of the word 'Igarapava', a term of Tupi origin that means “Port of Canoes”, and the meaning of “Sambaíba”, the name given to a shrub native to the Brazilian savannah, were used in the design of the project. The Cité project was based on these meanings to recreate the idea of the strength of the tree. With its rooted base, like a safe haven connected to the earth, the building reaches for the rising sky.
The balconies, integrated into the living rooms and bedrooms, have retractable glass enclosures, which allow for more natural light, ventilation and a sense of freedom, in addition to making better use of the space. The idea is to integrate the inside with the outside, while at the same time providing spatial freedom to the residents.
The concept of rooting and rising to the sky is highlighted by the colors of the façade, which range from darker, earthy tones at the base to lighter, softer tones at the top of the building. With this relationship, the large treetop would be the building itself, where a delicate railing element conveys the idea of this enclosure in branches, which welcomes and protects like a nest.
On the first floors, the railings are more concentrated and closed, creating a sense of solidity and foundation. This architectural choice not only enhances the base of the building, but also suggests the idea of deep roots, providing a solid and robust foundation for the whole.
As one ascends along the structure, a gradual transformation unfolds. The previously dense and compact grating begins to open up, revealing a fluid progression towards the upper floors.
Located above the roofs, the building has a garden terrace that is intended to be a place for socializing, with species of coastal vegetation and restinga. There is also a vegetable garden and an area for contemplating the surrounding landscape, with a privileged view of the sea. The view from above is similar to the amazement we feel when reaching the highest branch of a strong and robust tree.
