Architectural Trends:
Brazilian Modernist - An Australian Architectural Trend
The “Brazilian Modernist” architectural movement is beginning to take hold in Australia. With similar subtropical climates, Australia and Brazil share some natural characteristics.
Modernist architecture began in Brazil in the 1930s and transformed Brazilian cities like Brasilia. Brazilian architects were inspired by the European modernist movement, but modified designs for the subtropical climate by using narrow plans - allowing for natural light and ventilation.
Timber batten screening is used extensively with passive solar design principles - to reduce direct sunlight and reduce solar heat gain while allowing air to circulate. Bold “box like” long-span concrete structures offer expansive spaces and provide some thermal mass – keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
Notable Australian homes in Brazilian Modernist style include:
- V House by Lockyer Architects
- Planchonella House by Jesse Bennett Studio
- Toorak House by KP Architects
Abodo’s Vulcan Screening is the perfect lightweight material for timber battening, and has excellent dimensional stability for longer spans and less brackets.
