Nitsche Arquitetos, a local Brazilian architecture studio, has unveiled its first modular prototype house constructed with cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels in Piedade, outside São Paulo. The 1,500-square-foot residence represents a groundbreaking approach to sustainable construction that prioritizes speed, affordability, and environmental responsibility while maintaining architectural flexibility.
The innovative modular system focuses on what the firm describes as "broad adaptability," allowing for multiple arrangement possibilities to meet diverse housing needs. "The system allows for multiple arrangement possibilities, and this flexibility is what ensures its efficiency and broad adaptability," the studio explained. "It can respond to different demands using the same system, while also enabling fast assembly, reducing costs and maintaining the construction's low environmental impact."
The house consists of rectangular modules, each measuring 193 square feet and constructed entirely from CLT panels that provide both structural durability and thermal comfort. Each module features floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and follows a simple yet versatile organizational logic. "The system logic is simple and versatile: each module includes a wet area, intended for a bathroom, kitchen or service area, and a dry area, which can function as a bedroom, living room, dining room or other free space," the design team explained. "This organization allows for different combinations, easily adapting to various needs."
The architectural design incorporates a distinctive dogtrot-style plan where two modules are positioned on either side of a central veranda. A large metal roof with polyurethane foam insulation covers the enclosed modules and extends beyond the long sides of the house, creating deep shading eaves. The central veranda features transparent alveolar polycarbonate roofing that matches the profile of the metal sheets above. "This space serves as a living area, ensuring natural light and cross ventilation, while also creating a transition and integration between indoor and outdoor spaces," the studio noted.
The construction process demonstrates remarkable efficiency and sustainability. The eucalyptus CLT panels were manufactured by Crosslam in just 30 days and assembled on-site in a single day on a concrete slab foundation. This rapid assembly process significantly reduces construction time and labor costs while minimizing environmental impact. "In addition to avoiding waste generation during assembly, the use of engineered wood contributes to reducing carbon emissions, with lower energy consumption compared to concrete- or steel-based systems," the architects emphasized.
The environmental benefits of the CLT construction system extend beyond reduced assembly waste. The studio highlighted the carbon-negative properties of wood construction compared to traditional materials. "This system is an alternative to conventional construction with concrete, steel and aluminum, since wood is a renewable resource capable of sequestering CO2 during tree growth, whereas concrete releases around one ton of carbon into the atmosphere," they explained.
Interior finishes complement the sustainable wood construction with carefully selected materials that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. The house features porcelain tiles that provide a smooth, cool surface treatment that contrasts beautifully with the warm wooden walls. Aluminum window frames coated in green electrostatic paint were precisely fitted into pre-cut openings in the CLT panels, while sliding doors and folding, awning-like doors for the veranda were superimposed directly onto the structure.
This modular house prototype represents a significant step forward in Nitsche Arquitetos' commitment to innovative, sustainable architecture. The firm has previously demonstrated expertise in environmentally conscious design through projects such as a house on the edge of the Jurumirim Reservoir featuring walls of perforated green blocks and another residence on a grassy hill topped with a large polycarbonate roof. The project team included Lua Nitsche, Carol Hosino, Vanessa Izidorio, Gabriel Lisboa, Sérgio Campos, Thiago Pontes, and Thiago Conti, with photography by Arthur Duarte.
