Rua Riachuelo, a Contemporary Oceanfront Marvel on the Brazilian Island of Ilhabela, is Offered at US$4.5 million

Ilhabela, São Paulo, Brazil—Rua Riachuelo, a Contemporary oceanfront masterpiece on the paradisiacal island of Ilhabela, just four miles off the coast of Brazil, is being presented for sale by Christie’s International Real Estate. Designed by world-renowned Modernist architect Marcio Kogan, this architectural marvel, hidden within a tropical rainforest with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, is offered at US$4.5 million.

A perfect convergence of vernacular and Contemporary architecture, the innovative home is inspired by a desire to relax and meditate within nature. This desire led the current owners to commission Kogan's world-class design studio to create a beachfront masterpiece that seamlessly blends with its dramatic tropical environment. The incredible setting, just steps from a private beach, features a poolside area with palm gardens and a view of the ocean that is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Defined by the indoor-outdoor living concept, this exotic retreat encompasses 430 square meters, or 4,628 square feet, of serene living spaces with five bedrooms. The spectacular main structure is composed of a rectangular floating architectural plane facing onto the verdant gardens, swimming pool, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Embodying subdued luxury, the light-infused interiors are imbued with natural elements of wood, bamboo, concrete, and stone, which continues the theme of oneness with nature. The vast first floor, comprising a flowing living and dining area, sits below the main structure and opens to a rear garden on one side, and the sublime poolside deck on the other.

A floating staircase leads to the second level, which is housed within the main structure. Entirely hidden from the outside, the entire upper level is clad with a façade of Brise soleil bamboo, which opens onto a balcony that reveals the gardens below and glorious azure waterscape beyond.

Nestled within the clearing of a tropical forest, the idyllic grounds feature a beautiful infinity pool, tropical plants and towering palm trees, and tranquil spaces devoted to quiet contemplation. Designed for private seclusion, the residence features a hidden bamboo door that leads from the gardens to a private beach, which is sited along one of the most pristine stretches of coastline in Brazil.

The largest of the 12-island archipelago of São Sebastião, Ilhabela is located four miles off Brazil’s coast in the state of São Paulo—138 miles from the capital city of São Paulo, and 210 miles from Rio de Janeiro. This majestic landscape is replete with 35 kilometers of pristine beaches and lush rainforests.  Most of the island’s 350,000 square miles rests within the Ilhabela state park, a protected nature preserve featuring dramatic mountains, cascading waterfalls, bountiful flora and fauna, as well as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and a marine wildlife sanctuary.