Edifício Lineu, by Cité Arquitetura, blends references from Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and iconic buildings in the área.
Located on a corner lot, one block away from Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in Rio de Janeiro, Edifício Lineu is one of the latest lauching by Cité Arquitetura for the Opportunity Real Estate Investment Fund and real estate developer Performance. It stands out for its unique connection with the landscape and its appreciation of the region’s historical and natural elements.
The project offers privileged views of both the iconic lagoon and Christ the Redeemer, which guided the design of the apartments and the building’s architecture.
Inspired by local history, the project revives the memory of the land where the building stands, which was originally part of the lagoon before the area was reclaimed. The reflections of the water and the characteristic blue tones of the neighborhood — present in the modernist tiles of the nearby Hospital da Lagoa, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, as well as in historic buildings of the Hípica and local villas — served as references for the color palette. The use of natural stones from Brazil reinforces the building’s integration with the environment.
The glass façade, featuring wraparound balconies that extend the living space outdoors, maximizes natural light and reflections of the landscape, creating an engaging interplay of illumination. Aluminum beams were added as an aesthetic and functional detail, anticipating the use of glass curtains by residents and preserving the façade’s design.
The lighting was carefully planned to harmonize elements of the façade, such as the ceiling of the balconies, railings, and guardrails. The result is a continuous and elegant visual composition that enhances the building’s aesthetics.
The common areas, located on the ground floor, were designed to ensure residents’ privacy. This functional need led to the creation of a railing that goes beyond its practical purpose, becoming an artistic element. The railing features a mural by artist Alexandre Mancini, inspired by the traditional tiles of Hospital da Lagoa, bringing art to the city.
Each floor has two spacious apartments, each over 200 m², with direct views of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas from the glass corner of the living room and Christ the Redeemer from the bedrooms, designed to make the most of the land’s longitudinal position.
Functional aspects were also considered in the project, such as flexibility, allowing for integration between the kitchen and living room to expand the space. To enhance environmental comfort and efficiency, most bathrooms prioritize natural ventilation. External elements such as railings and slanted walls at the building’s corners conceal service areas, maintaining the harmonious proportions of the structure.
About Cité Arquitetura
Cité Arquitetura was founded in 2012 in Rio de Janeiro by architects Celso Rayol, former president of AsBEA-RJ (2019–2022), professor, and postgraduate from PUC-Rio, and Fernando Costa, current advisor at Ademi-RJ and postgraduate from FGV. With a multidisciplinary team capable of designing projects of various scales and programs, the firm’s primary goal is to establish a dynamic relationship with the surrounding environment — whether by incorporating nature and the landscape or engaging with neighborhood life and the streets.
Some of Cité’s celebrated projects include Sorocaba 112, one of the firm’s first works; the modernization of Memorial JK in Brasília, nominated for Building of The Year 2017 by ArchDaily International; Borges 3647, winner of the AsBEA/RJ Award in 2017, featured in Projeto magazine’s 2020 annual edition, and nominated for the 2022 Building of the Year Award by ArchDaily Brazil; Miguel Couto, shortlisted for the Domus Restoration and Conservation Award from the University of Ferrara in Italy and an honorable mention in the 2018 ASBEA National Awards; the Complexo Multiuso in Ilha do Fundão, awarded in the Professional category of the 2015 Saint Gobain Award; Jardim Botafogo, winner of the 2020 Build Awards by British magazine BUILD; Partage Shopping Brasília, awarded the AsBEA-RJ Prize 2022; and the residential buildings Bossa 107 and Ícono Parque, both nominated for the 2023 Building of the Year Award by ArchDaily Brazil.
With its portfolio, Cité was named Most Client-Focused Residential Architecture Studio by BUILD Magazine in 2021, received the Architect of the Year Award from Destaques Ademi-RJ 2022, and had its trajectory featured in Monolito #53, joining the ranks of Brazil’s top architectural firms published by the editorial.
