yinjispace

ARCHITECTURE
Studio MK27
INTERIOR
Studio MK27
LANDSCAPE
Rodrigo Oliveira Paisagismo
PHOTOGRAPHY
Fran Parente
EDITOR
Gina
Collection

Rodrigo Oliveira is a landscape designer with over thirty years of experience, always adhering to a design philosophy centered around naturalism. His work is deeply inspired by the lush forests of Brazil, blending influences from global landscape practices, and continuously exploring the possibilities of symbiosis with the environment to create the ideal tropical garden.

What is most compelling about Rodrigo Oliveira’s work is the way it reveals a landscape language grown out of practice: it does not rely on form, but treats landscape as an integral part of architecture and of life itself. Trained in agronomy, Rodrigo came to landscape through years of on-site experience and research, developing a vocabulary of his own—reading terrain and drainage, local climate and biodiversity, light and proportion—so that outdoor spaces feel “as though they’ve always been there.” As he emphasized in our conversation: “A good landscape should be as natural and integrated as possible, almost invisible in its intentionality.” For him, the garden is not something imposed on nature, but a direct conversation with it—“we listen, we learn, and we are guided.”

Rodrigo Oliveira's design approach always begins with a deep observation of the site and its surrounding environment. He believes in using authentic, natural, and unpretentious materials. Nothing should appear artificial or overly constructed; simplicity is key. The Patios House project is located in an astonishing natural setting, and his intention was to keep things as understated as possible—to let nature speak for itself. He always strives to make the garden appear as if it naturally exists, untouched. The core philosophy is to create a gentle and seamless transition between the architecture and its surroundings.

Between the dense forest and the sea of Mangaratiba — a coastal town approximately an hour and a half from Rio de Janeiro — lies, at the foot of a mountain, the House of Courtyards. Gently nestled into the terrain, the residence molds itself to the landscape, embracing the greenery, the breeze, and natural light. The architectural design bears the signature of Studio MK27, while the landscaping is by Rodrigo Oliveira — together, they craft a haven dedicated to family leisure.

The architecture comprises two horizontal, single-story volumes, positioned along the longitudinal terrain and connected by a lush central courtyard. The first block, facing the front of the lot, opens to the view and the pool terrace, where the gradient of blue integrates into daily life. The second, more secluded volume houses five suites with private courtyards that offer verdant vistas — even from the bathrooms.

Arrival occurs at the highest point of the terrain, where the garage and main access initially reveal only the roof of the residence. From this point, the landscaping assumes two essential functions: creating a visual barrier that ensures privacy from neighboring houses and guiding the gaze inward. The solution came through a narrow, winding path, guided by stone flooring amidst the vegetation.

The central courtyard is the heart of the project. It assumes the ambiance of a naturalistic tropical garden, where the orthogonal lines of the house gently contrast with the organic nature of the vegetation. Irregularly shaped stone slabs create paths that suggest barefoot, unpretentious walking. The plant composition blends species of varying sizes, without rigid hierarchies, but rather in volumes and layers, promoting visual depth and a constant presence of greenery visible from all points of the social area.

On the opposite side, facing the sea, the garden opens up and becomes drier, favoring the unobstructed view of the horizon. A Sunshade Tree (Terminalia catappa) was chosen for this section, with a slender trunk and light canopy, casting shade without blocking the landscape. Along the sides, flower beds with fruit-bearing species and medium-sized trees preserve privacy from neighboring residences.

In the private courtyards of each suite, the landscaping acts as an extension of the interiors. The foliage grows in height as it approaches the rear gable of the house, revealing a composition rich in textures and variations of green. Plants like the Monstera (Monstera deliciosa), the Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis), and the Wavy-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron undulatum) stand out against the rustic backdrop of exposed brick and the concrete floor with exposed aggregate.

In this residence, the architecture disperses across the terrain and dissolves into the landscape. The garden, in turn, emerges as a natural extension of the mountain — a gesture of complete integration with the surroundings. It not only complements but translates and amplifies the sensitivity of the architecture, creating a place of refuge, permanence, and discovery.

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