With its unique landscaping and architectural design, the Morro do Chapéu Golf Club’s Social Center offers visitors a breathtaking view, making special occasions celebrated there even more memorable.

“I was a recently graduated architect when I received the invitation to design the Social Center at the Morro do Chapéu Club and Gated Community. That was back in 1961. The chosen site was beautiful − an imposing rock located 1560 meters above sea level − overlooking a huge valley. Nature expressed itself exuberantly in all sectors and senses and demanded that I be careful not to violate its natural splendor. My first concern was to carry out a survey of the quarry, taking note of its corresponding heights and levels with the intention of making the most of them when designing the project.

I spent more than two weeks there committing it all to memory. Then, while sitting on one of the rocks, I made the first sketches on the clipboard in my lap, keeping in mind the need to respect the set of stones as much as possible, incorporating their beauty into the design. I intuitively tried to give lightness to the design in order to let it float and only lightly touch the ground and rocks like some great flying ship.

I then defined the levels of double-sided floors to the extent possible and without major interference from the cuts and embankments, making the most of the stunning views of the valley and the horizon. I also opted to make extensive use of glass so everyone could have the same panoramic view.

All that remained to do was the rooftop and an image of the shape of the wing of a spaceship or a bird came to mind, landing smoothly, almost without touching its structures. Perhaps driven by the feeling of wanting to fly over that great void that still enchants everyone today. A willingness to not just be there, enjoying it from afar, but to plunge into its emptiness and discover all its splendor and wonders.

Since that wasn’t possible, I had to make sure the design didn’t shatter the feeling of enchantment and still give wings to our imagination. So I made the design clean, simple, and light, preserving the beauty of the local nature and its surroundings, while creating an atmosphere of joy that would enhance the backdrop of all the parties to be held in its halls.

Forty-five years have passed and a lot of customs and rules have changed along the way. Eventually, it became necessary to do some remodeling and adapt it to the present day. We made some additions and embellishments and improved its finishes and functions, all with the best quality to better serve the public and the Club’s members.

It’s become a whole new space, more modern and functional, while keeping its original design intact. I made a point of respecting the curved shape and the smoothness of its rooftop, keeping the original shape that subtly touched its supporting elements. Congratulations to the Board of Directors of Morro do Chapéu Golf Club for their effort and dedication in completing a work that has always made me feel personally and professionally proud.”