Nestled beside Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park, this 1,500-square-foot haven is a sleek steel-and-glass sanctuary supported by two concrete piers. Sitting high in the rainforest, it offers seclusion for its owners to commune with nature, seamlessly blending into the wild tropical landscape. The northern end houses a single bedroom while the south unveils vistas of the city, sea and Christ the Redeemer. Below, a screened porch and open-air kitchenette allow interaction with the surroundings. It’s all about durability, functionality and regional aesthetics amidst Rio’s humid climate. Rio House by Olson Kundig.

Photography by Maira Acayaba.