Kitesurf Lodge
"Designing tourist accommodations adapted to the tropical climate by embracing local craftsmanship and traditional construction techniques.”
Project in progress
Location: Nordeste, Brasil
Tropical savana climate
(Koppen Aw)
Average temperatures:
27–33°C year-round
Rainfall: ~1,100–1,250 mm/year, concentrated between January and May
Wind: ~15–25 km/h E/NE, strong winds during the dry season
Relative humidity generally high
(65–85%)
Risk of runoff, flooding (rainy season), drought (dry season)
Located on the northeastern coast of Brazil, this project comprises three lodges and a shared outdoor living space, set within a site shaped by demanding climatic conditions: year-round heat, intense solar exposure, strong prevailing winds and saline humidity.
The lodges are carefully positioned to maximize outdoor living spaces and views towards the garden. Their orientation and design promote effective natural ventilation—essential for thermal comfort in a tropical climate—while protecting occupants from excessive exposure to the strong prevailing winds.
The buildings draw inspiration from the region's vernacular architecture. Constructed with timber and topped with traditional thatched roofs, they build upon local craftsmanship and time-tested construction techniques that are well suited to the tropical climate. These bio-based materials provide excellent thermal regulation while allowing the architecture to blend harmoniously into the coastal landscape.
The steeply pitched roofs respond directly to the local climatic conditions. They ensure efficient rainwater drainage during periods of intense rainfall while creating generous interior volumes that enhance natural ventilation and thermal comfort. Their geometry also allows for the integration of mezzanine spaces, optimizing the usable floor area without increasing the building footprint.