It’s hard to believe that the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games are just around the corner—in fact, the Opening Ceremony kicks off in a week’s time. And while there’s been some controversy emerging from the Brazilian city, there’s no denying that the Games are an important, unifying, and exciting international pastime.
Aside from the Olympics, Brazil—the largest country in both South and Latin America and the fifth largest in the world—is known for its beautiful and “megadiverse” natural resources, making it a perennial favorite among adventurous and nature-loving vacationers. What may be less known is that Brazil is also home to some of the world’s most spectacular residential architecture (and modern furniture designs).
To give you something of a primer, here are five breathtaking residences in Rio and São Paulo we’ve recently featured. From brutalist gems to prefabs to downright show-stoppers, these homes know how to make a statement.
1. Stunning modern house offers rooftop pool and incredible views
This three-bedroom concrete jewel box was designed by architects Vazio S/A and is located about 400 miles northwest of Rio de Janeiro in the foothills of Sierra da Moeda. It is called Cerrado House after one of Brazil’s seven biomes and features a Brutalist-inspired concrete structure intercut with glass walls and wooden louvers.
2. Glorious, modern home is ready for summer parties
This over-10,000-square-foot home in São Paulo was designed by Gustavo Arbex Architects and offers incredible indooro-outdoor space courtesy of an exposed living and entertaining area that opens up to a spacious veranda.
3. Killer modern house opens right up to the great outdoors
Jacobsen Arquitetura designed the gorgeous glass-and-steel MLA House in São Paulo. It features a double-height, glass-walled living area with wood-paneled ceiling, polished stone floors, wooden shutters, and a pool.
4. Sexy São Paulo modern with killer views asks $11.5M
The sprawling Grid House, designed by São Paulo-based firm FGMF Arquitetos, is located in a small valley in the Mantiqueira Mountains and features a roof garden that serves to enhance the glass-box home’s already impressive interaction with nature. It can be yours for a cool $11.5 million.
5. There's no getaway like a rad prefab in the jungle
It’s hard to believe that the Arca house is prefabricated. Designed by São Paulo-based studio Atelier Marko Brajovic and located in the Atlantic Forest, the “semicircular” residence features glass walls on two sides—and can disassembled and taken apart if you ever want a change of scenery.