At first glance, it is a house like dozens of others in the crowded favelas of Brazil. But this seemingly modest dwelling of 66 square metres (710 square feet), with its exposed brick walls, has just been recognised as the “house of the year” in an international architecture competition.
The house honoured by specialised website ArchDaily belongs to Kdu dos Anjos, a 32-year-old artist living in the bustling Aglomerado da Serra favela at the bottom of a hill on the edge of the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte, aljazeera.com reported.
The two-storey structure defeated some more imposing contest entries from India, Mexico, Vietnam and Germany.
“I’m very proud that my house won this prize, because most of the news about the favelas talks of violence and homes destroyed by landslides,” said dos Anjos.
“Today, my home is on top of the world!”
The house, built on a small lot dos Anjos purchased in 2017, is well ventilated and enjoys abundant natural light; it features horizontal casement windows and a large terrace.
“The design of the house represents a constructive model that uses common materials in the slums, with an adequate implementation and attention to lighting and ventilation, resulting in a space with great environmental quality,” ArchDaily wrote on its website.
For dos Anjos, who founded a cultural centre in his community, the prize carries special significance.
“I know my house isn’t the most chic in the world, but it’s a well-built shack,” he says with a grin.
Dos Anjos has been living there since 2020, along with two dogs, a cat and more than 60 plants.
“What the architects did is pure magic,” he added. “We barely have 66 square metres, but I’ve had parties here with close to 200 people.”
One apparent difference with nearby houses is in the arrangement of the bricks, laid horizontally — not vertically — and in staggered rows, which adds solidity and improves insulation.
“Winning this prize after having suffered from architecture-related problems represents a great victory for me.”