São Paulo-based architecture practice Casa Container Marília - Arquitetura has built a self-sustained container house raised on metal pillars within native trees in Brazil.

Named Hanging House, the house was built from recycled maritime containers and 80% of the materials are entirely recycled for this house. 

The name of the house is derived from its construction system because it is elevated from the natural ground level of the site where it was located. As the house is surrounded by native trees, so the windows are level with the treetops and the balconies blend in with the branches. 

"The soil remains original, preserving the drainage and root dynamics, which were not harmed because the minimum of concrete was used in the foundations," said Casa Container Marília - Arquitetura. 

"The project's premise was a country house that integrated with the local ecosystem, with sustainability and recyclability." 

In the interior, the architects used wood from the demolition which predominates in the walls and ceiling. Green roof with rainwater reuse, thermal and acoustic insulation are also the highlights of the house.

The purpose of occupation of the property is as a country house. Internally, the studio favored the common areas of the house, living spaces, leisure and balconies. In total the house includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms. 

The house has no television or wifi system. To inhabit it the rule is to disconnect and enjoy what nature and family life provide. Two wooden deck balconies provide interaction with native trees and fantastic views of the rural area of Campos Novos Paulista - Brazil.

The implantation of the building under the trees provides shading all day long, in addition the local winds combined with the wall insulation system provide excellent thermal comfort inside the residence.

The house is raised from the ground level by metal pillars to support the house. The "v" system provides concrete savings and foundation area by generating a single base for two supports. The foundations are shallow because the weight of the house is relatively light and the ground is firm.

The green roof is of the modular type, which facilitates maintenance. It has a rainwater storage system to minimize the need for irrigation. This system provides greater thermal comfort inside the house, and further integrates the house with nature.

In the internal divisions, the architects used the demolition wood. As the architects highlight, besides being a recycled material, it avoids the use of internal painting, since it already has its own finish. All walls of the house are insulated with thermo acoustic blanket for thermal comfort. 

The environments have cross ventilation and wide openings for air exchange and thermal comfort. The house has no air conditioning system and remains pleasant even on the hottest days in Sao Paulo State. The internal doors of the first floor of the house are made with reused plates of the cutouts of the containers, minimizing the excess material.

"The final residue of the work was 70% reused, basically summarized in wood and steel scraps," added the architects.

Roof plan

Ground floor plan

1st floor plan

2nd floor plan

Sections

Elevations

Project facts

Project name: Hanging House

Architects: Casa Container Marília - Arquitetura

Size: 2766.0 ft2

Location: Brazil

All images © Celso Mellani

All drawings © Casa Container Marília - Arquitetura

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