Casa Japú by AIA Estúdio: A Horizontal Retreat in Rio's Mountains

In the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, the architectural firm AIA Estúdio has completed Casa Japú, a residential project that harmonizes with its sloping terrain. The design, led by principal architect Alice Tepedino, involved significant earthmoving to create a narrow flat strip between the contour lines, allowing the program to be distributed longitudinally. This layout fosters a sense of continuity and horizontality with the surrounding landscape. The house covers an area of 376 square meters and was completed in 2025. The project team included João Carrascosa, Matheus Amorim, and Michel Zalis, with coordination by Alice Tepedino. Civil engineering was handled by Roberto Badalcconi and Bernardo Bertone. The construction utilized products from suppliers Móveis Balduci and Ros Dormentes (Carpintaria). Photographs were taken by Pedro Kok. The project is categorized under residential architecture and houses. The design emphasizes a strong relationship with the site's topography, creating a seamless integration between built form and nature.