Architectural Cases

Nestled on a majestic cliff in Trancoso, Brazil, the Roots House, a creation of Studio Gontijo Arquitetura, stands as a testament to architectural harmony with nature. This residence, completed in 2025, is a celebration of its extraordinary location, offering residents unparalleled vistas of the ocean and seamless access to the pristine Itapororoca Beach through a private trail winding through lush native Atlantic Forest. The design ethos prioritizes integration with the vibrant ecosystem, showcasing a residential masterpiece that respects and enhances its breathtaking surroundings. The strategic positioning, also influenced by its proximity to another family estate, underscores a thoughtful and contextual approach to contemporary living.

The Roots House project commenced with a profound appreciation for its unique geographical context. Trancoso, a picturesque locale in southern Bahia, provided the ideal canvas for architects Gabriela Gontijo, Mariana Hummel, and Jade Ávila to envision a dwelling that felt intrinsically linked to the land. The property's defining features—its elevated position overlooking the vast expanse of the sea and the dense, biodiverse Atlantic Forest—were not merely backdrops but integral components that shaped every design decision. This deep connection to the natural world is evident in the careful siting and material selection, ensuring that the structure coexists gracefully with its environment.

The architectural team, including technical contributors Nathália Mattos, Ana Clara Dias, and Humberto Figueiredo, along with design team members Maria Carolina Lobo, Raphael Casseb, and Cecília Pizutti, meticulously crafted a residence spanning 1474 square meters. Their collective vision focused on creating spaces that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, maximizing natural light and ventilation, and framing the stunning ocean and forest views. The internal layout and external facades were conceived to be permeable, allowing the sights, sounds, and breezes of the coastal forest to permeate the living experience. This holistic approach ensures that the Roots House is not just a building, but a sensory journey through the natural beauty of Trancoso.

The construction of the Roots House was finalized in 2025, marking the realization of an ambitious architectural endeavor. The choice of Trancoso as the location was pivotal, offering a blend of secluded tranquility and natural splendor. The design, therefore, reflects a deep respect for the local ecosystem, aiming to minimize environmental impact while maximizing the resident's connection to nature. From the expansive glass panels that invite the outdoors in, to the thoughtful landscaping that blends indigenous flora with curated gardens, every element of the Roots House is designed to foster a sense of belonging and peaceful coexistence with its extraordinary setting.

The Roots House in Trancoso embodies a residential architectural triumph that is deeply rooted in its stunning natural landscape. With commanding views of the ocean and the Atlantic Forest, the design by Studio Gontijo Arquitetura creates an intimate dialogue with its surroundings, offering an immersive living experience where the boundaries between home and nature dissolve.

Josh Kjenner Architect's latest creation, a contemporary cabin on Wabamun Lake, serves as a serene sanctuary for a young family, rekindling the idyllic memories of Alberta lake summers. This 2800 sq ft residence, expected to be completed in 2025, is strategically located about an hour's drive from Edmonton, offering a perfect blend of modern aesthetics and a deep appreciation for nature. The design emphasizes creating spaces for multi-seasonal recreational activities such as kayaking, skating, hockey, and tobogganing, ensuring the cabin becomes a cornerstone for new family traditions and enduring memories for the children.

The project is a testament to thoughtful architectural planning, integrating the structure seamlessly into its natural surroundings. By focusing on both functionality and comfort, the cabin provides a year-round haven that caters to diverse family interests, encouraging an active outdoor lifestyle. It represents a contemporary interpretation of the classic lake cabin, designed to support a rich tapestry of experiences across different seasons, bridging the past's nostalgic charm with present-day family dynamics and leisure pursuits.

Contemporary Design and Lakeside Integration

The newly unveiled Wabamun Lake Cabin, designed by Josh Kjenner Architect, stands as a prime example of how modern architecture can beautifully coexist with natural landscapes. This 2800 sq ft dwelling, nestled beside Wabamun Lake in Alberta, approximately an hour outside Edmonton, is more than just a house; it's a meticulously crafted environment intended to enrich a young family's life. Drawing inspiration from the homeowners' childhood memories of summer lake cabins, the design prioritizes a seamless transition between indoor comfort and outdoor adventure, ensuring that activities like kayaking in summer and ice hockey in winter are easily accessible and integrated into daily life. The cabin, set for completion in 2025, embodies a minimalist aesthetic with a strong emphasis on natural materials and expansive views, fostering a deep connection to its picturesque surroundings.

The architectural vision for the Wabamun Lake Cabin centers on creating a versatile living space that adapts to the changing seasons, offering both intimate retreats and vibrant communal areas. Josh Kjenner Architect carefully considered the interplay of light, landscape, and leisure, designing a structure that is both visually stunning and highly functional. The use of robust, locally sourced materials not only minimizes environmental impact but also ensures the cabin's longevity and harmonious integration with the lakeside environment. Every design choice, from the strategic placement of windows to maximize scenic vistas to the open-plan living areas that encourage family interaction, reflects a commitment to enhancing the residents' quality of life and facilitating a rich array of outdoor experiences, truly making it a year-round family sanctuary.

Fostering Family Memories Through Seasonal Activities

At the heart of the Wabamun Lake Cabin project is the aspiration to forge lasting family memories, deeply rooted in the seasonal rhythms of lakeside living. Josh Kjenner Architect conceived this contemporary retreat as a backdrop for a lifetime of cherished moments, mirroring the fond recollections of the homeowners' own childhood summers. The cabin's design thoughtfully supports a wide spectrum of activities, transforming with the seasons: from the tranquility of summer kayaking and leisurely lakeside strolls to the invigorating chill of winter ice skating, spirited hockey games, and exhilarating toboggan rides. This holistic approach ensures that the 2800 sq ft residence, set against Alberta's stunning natural backdrop, is not merely a dwelling but a dynamic hub for recreational and familial bonding, poised to become a legacy for the next generation.

The emphasis on creating a space for continuous memory-making underscores the cabin's dual purpose as both a modern architectural marvel and a warm, inviting family home. The strategic layout and material choices facilitate comfort and engagement, regardless of the weather, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for the young family. The integration of durable, low-maintenance elements means more time for enjoyment and less for upkeep, allowing the family to fully immerse themselves in the joy of shared experiences. Whether it's the laughter echoing during a summer BBQ or the quiet contemplation during a snowy evening, the Wabamun Lake Cabin is engineered to nurture an environment where every season brings new opportunities for connection and indelible moments, truly embodying the spirit of a year-round recreational haven.