Leaf house is designed by Mareines and Patalano Arquitetura and located near Rio de Janeiro on a beautiful little beach with amazing blue water. Its design is inspired by Brazil’s Indian architecture which is perfectely suited for the hot and humid climate. The roof that reminds a flower acts as a big leaf that protects from the sun all the enclosed spaces of the house. The house is perfect for social gatherings and parties because of its comfortable verandas and open spaces in between rooms. The open layout also takes advantage of trade winds that blow in from the sea, providing natural ventilation and passive cooling. There are no corridors and inside and outside are almost fused. Rain water is harvested from the roof for re-use. With its natural finishes, organic aesthetics and richness of details, the house is in harmony with the exuberant brazilian nature. It’s an cool example of how tropical beach house could be connected to nature. [Mareines and Patalano Arquitetura | Photos by Leonardo Finotti & Pedro Lobo]