EcoHouse is a compact residential project located near Campeche Beach in Florianópolis, Brazil. Designed by architects Affonso Orciuoli and Marcelo Leal, the project explores how computational tools can support sustainable construction through material control, efficiency, and a rethinking of domestic space.
The house was conceived with a clear objective: to minimize environmental impact, both in terms of landscape intervention and material use. Except for the reinforced concrete foundations, the entire structure is built from autoclave-treated pine, with plasterboard walls and aluminum-framed openings fitted with mosquito screens to promote natural cross-ventilation.
Rather than maximizing built area, the design prioritizes open space. The program is condensed into a small footprint, allowing most of the plot to remain as a tropical garden. Inside, the living room, kitchen, dining area, and home office are organized as a single continuous space, opening onto a balcony and deck that blur the boundary between interior and exterior. The absence of doors in key areas reinforces this spatial continuity, creating an ambiguous condition where inside and outside coexist.
DIGITAL WORKFLOW: FROM 2D LAYOUT TO FULLY CONTROLLED 3D MODEL
Rhino was used from the very beginning of the project. Initial stages focused on 2D layout development, defining spatial organization and relationships. Once the distribution was established, the entire project transitioned into a fully developed 3D model.
This shift was fundamental, as the digital model became the central tool not only for design but also for construction. All documentation, drawings, and coordination were generated directly from the model.
VISUALARQ & MATERIAL INTELLIGENCE
VisualARQ played a critical role in the project, particularly in managing material control and construction logic.
Using VisualARQ, the team generated precise material schedules, especially for the timber components. These lists directly informed procurement and fabrication, ensuring that only the necessary amount of material was used. This approach significantly reduced waste and aligned with the project’s sustainability goals.
The impact of this workflow extended beyond planning. The construction process was described as a “3D puzzle,” with each element pre-defined and precisely assembled on site. This level of control enabled the house to be completed in just two months by a team of three.
DESIGN DECISIONS DRIVEN BY THE MODEL
The digital model directly influenced several key design and construction decisions.
One of the most significant strategies was designing the house based on the dimensions of OSB panels. By aligning the design with standard material sizes, the team minimized cutting waste and optimized fabrication efficiency.
Another example is the metal staircase, which was fully developed in Rhino. The 3D model enabled accurate fabrication by the metal workshop, allowing the staircase to arrive on site ready to be installed, fitting perfectly within the predefined space.
SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES
In addition to material efficiency, the project integrates environmental strategies at multiple levels.
To address local flooding issues, the ground was not sealed with concrete. Instead, a 40 cm layer of construction debris was introduced beneath the surface, creating a permeable “mattress” that absorbs rainwater and allows natural drainage. This system supports the natural water cycle and responds to the high water table of the site.
The house also features a green roof and extensive vegetation. From above, the building blends into the landscape as a continuous green surface, minimizing its visual impact.
RETHINKING DOMESTIC SPACE
EcoHouse challenges conventional residential design by reducing built footprint and emphasizing adaptability. The house is conceived as a system that can grow over time, allowing future expansions using the same logic of material reuse and efficiency.
At its core, the project demonstrates how digital tools like Rhino and VisualARQ can extend beyond representation to become active agents in construction, sustainability, and decision-making.
CREDITS
Architects: Affonso Orciuoli, Marcelo Leal
Project Team: Sonia de Mira
Landscape Design: Sonia de Mira
Construction: Oca Construções
Metalwork (Staircase): Serralheria Elo
Metal Frames: Orbital
Green Roof: Teto Vivo
Garden Assembly: JMA Jardinagem, Sonia de Mira
Photography: Lise Longo
