Located in one of the most notable areas of Rio de Janeiro's South Zone, the Epitácio Building overlooks the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. This residential development, created by Cité Arquitetura, aims to translate a serene and fluid atmosphere into its architecture, inspired by the passage of time and the delicate connection with the natural environment.
The central concept of the project was based on the idea that 'the house is an everyday temple.' The architectural design was planned to highlight moments spent at home, paying special attention to the interaction between light and shadow throughout the day. A wooden slat covering the roofs of the spacious balconies functions as a sundial, recording time through illumination, making this play of shadows part of daily life and evoking memories of natural elements and the daily rhythm.
The layout of Epitácio was designed to promote a harmonious integration between internal and external spaces. The large balconies, which have a cantilever of 4 meters and multiple uses, connect to the living room via sliding glass doors that can be fully opened, offering an unobstructed view of the Lagoon and expanding the perception of space.
Architect Celso Rayol commented that 'the passing clouds reflected on the water, the wind through the leaves of the trees, and the sunset behind the mountain range are essential parts of the project.' Due to the building's location on a narrow plot of land, whose back faced the slope of Mirante do Sacopã—where there was an abandoned building whose structure was reused—very ingenious architectural solutions were necessary. The creation of a central prism, resulting from the displacement between social and private areas, ensures cross-ventilation in all units, contributing to thermal comfort and quality of life.
The project's design emphasizes sobriety and the moderate use of materials. The color selection leans towards earthy tones and wood textures, which strengthens the feeling of coziness and continuity with the surrounding nature. The entrance to the building, which mimics the background of the land, highlights the volume of the cantilevered balconies, which gain prominence as the sun travels across the facade. Upon entering the gatehouse, the hydraulic tiles lining the floors and walls catch the eye, presenting a pattern signed by Cité that recalls the movement of the Lagoon's waters.
Epitácio 3714 is part of the Cité 360° portfolio, a Cité seal that groups projects developed entirely by the office, ranging from architecture to interiors and visual identity. This exemplifies Cité's integrated approach, which unites form, function, and language in a single narrative.
