A dialogue between architecture and nature in Florianópolis

On the island of Florianópolis in Brazil, where the sea meets the mountains in a truly unique landscape, lies an architectural project that captures the essence of its surroundings and embodies our concept of contemporary luxury on a residential scale. Designed by the Brazilian studio TETRO, Casa Ponte is positioned as a first-class project for contemplation and living that sublimely blends the natural landscape with pure architectural lines and carefully selected materials. It is no wonder that this project was awarded the Golden Trezzini Prize by a jury that included renowned architects such as Santiago Calatrava, Norman Foster and Massimiliano Fuksas. As a result of this accolade, Casa Ponte is now part of the collection of the State Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Famous for its beaches of crystal clear water and white sand, Florianópolis is an island separated from the mainland by just 800 metres, but connected to it by three iconic bridges. The most renowned of these, the Hercílio Luz Bridge, is not only a symbol of the city but also the inspiration for Casa Ponte. Perched on a hillside by the sea, overlooking the Cacupé Sea and the mountains of Santa Catarina Island, the residence stretches out to the horizon like a privileged vantage point, inviting its residents to immerse themselves in an ever-changing landscape.

Carlos Maia, founding partner of TETRO and one of the project’s creators, describes it as a “sensitive response to the environment” – a structure that transcends its residential purpose to become an architectural expression in constant dialogue with nature. “Like a belvedere, the house overlooks the sea. But in a respectful symbiosis, it also integrates the landscape visible from the inside,” explains Maia.

Casa Ponte is characterised by its light and seemingly simple structure, but in this simplicity lies its true complexity. The house is supported by two main beams resting on two columns, allowing the surrounding spaces to develop with a sense of buoyancy and freedom. The swimming pool, on the lower level, stretches out towards the sea, suspended above two other rooms and surrounded by a 70 square metre reflecting pool that recalls the natural stones of the region.

One of the most striking features of the project is its focus on the interplay of sunlight. During his first visit to the site, architect Igor Macedo, a partner at TETRO, recognised the need for a ‘hat’ for the house. This was elegantly addressed by the design of a generous steel eaves structure. This roof, which extends 6 metres beyond the main structure, not only serves the practical purpose of mitigating the effects of the sun, but is also a subtle homage to the Hercílio Luz Bridge, using steel and perforated plate, materials synonymous with the iconic bridge.

The use of high quality materials was fundamental to the development of Casa Ponte, including the use of Cosentino’s Dekton Kovik. This ultra-compact surface not only contributes to the refined aesthetics of the residence, but also offers exceptional durability and functionality, perfectly matching the architects’ vision.

“The Dekton material in the Kovik colour was chosen for its ability to blend in with the surrounding nature without losing its modern and sophisticated character,” says the TETRO team. Its use extends to various areas of the house, including kitchen worktops and wall and floor cladding, providing a visual continuity that reinforces the concept of the house as a unified whole. This weather-resistant, low-maintenance material is ideal for a home exposed to the sea and sun all year round.

Casa Ponte is not only a marvel from the outside, its interior is equally impressive, showcasing a selection of furniture that embodies the revival and preservation of Brazilian design history. Many of these now cherished pieces were originally purchased as ‘junk’ at public auctions in Brasília, where the current homeowners lived for 20 years. “The pieces looked like junk. But all they needed was a bit of sandpaper and a coat of varnish to bring them back to their former glory,” remarks the homeowner, who is proud to have rescued a piece of Brazilian design history.

The interior design also highlights the architecture of the house, making each room feel intimate and connected to the outdoors. Facing west, the house offers privileged views of the sea and the mountain range, with ever-changing settings throughout the day as light and sun filter through the brise-soleils.

Architect Débora Mendes concludes: “Architecture must be logical and rational, but it must also create beauty that moves people”. Casa Ponte passes this test with flying colours.