studio arthur casas wraps ribbed concrete tower with vertical gardens in são paulo

Rodrigo Oliveira, a renowned Brazilian landscape architect, has cultivated a distinctive naturalistic approach over his 30-year career, earning him a reputation as one of Brazil's most sought-after professionals in the field. His philosophy, rooted in the belief that 'a garden has to be imperfect, intuitive, instinctive,' draws inspiration from Japanese garden methodologies and the inherent asymmetry of nature. Oliveira's work aims to create 'spontaneous-looking gardens that blend seamlessly into the surroundings,' resulting in spaces that appear effortlessly natural yet achieve a profound harmony between human-made structures and the environment. Oliveira's journey began in Paraná, southern Brazil, where gardens were an integral part of his childhood. Despite landscaping not being a prominent profession at the time, he pursued agronomy, graduating from the Federal University of Viçosa in 1993. After gaining experience with other landscape companies and studying arboriculture in Florida, he established his independent practice, Rodrigo Oliveira Paisagismo, in 2005. His São Paulo-based studio has since grown to a team of 40 professionals, including architects, engineers, marketing specialists, and dedicated gardeners. A pivotal moment in Oliveira's career came in 2005 when architect Isay Weinfeld invited him to design a garden for film director Hector Babenco's house in São Paulo. Oliveira embraced this opportunity to create a truly natural landscape, marking a turning point in his professional path. The garden featured a dramatic, meandering approach through dense foliage, intentionally obscuring the house until a sudden reveal, crafting a cinematic experience that resonated with Babenco's profession. This project solidified Oliveira's reputation for creating narrative-driven landscapes and led to collaborations with other prominent Brazilian architects such as Bernardes Arquitetura and Studio Arthur Casas. His naturalistic philosophy is exemplified in projects like the Patios House, designed by Studio MK27, where landscaped courtyards seamlessly connect different parts of the beach house on Rio de Janeiro's coast. Another notable example is the AEA House by Jacobsen Arquitetura, situated within a 7,000-square-meter forest near Rio de Janeiro. Here, Oliveira preserved existing vegetation, including mature trees and rock formations, to integrate the new garden with its natural surroundings. He is currently working on the Amauri 306 Building in São Paulo, another collaboration with Isay Weinfeld, which features gardens integrated across various floors, enhancing both aesthetics and the urban environment. This project highlights a growing appreciation among developers for the environmental and aesthetic benefits of well-integrated green spaces. Oliveira's approach is particularly relevant in today's context of environmental concerns. By celebrating the 'irregularity' of natural systems, including their textures, movement, and seasonality, he designs gardens that evolve gracefully over time and require minimal maintenance. His work offers a compelling alternative to more formal design traditions, advocating for a design philosophy where gardens work with nature rather than against it. This commitment to ecological principles and the creation of harmonious, low-maintenance landscapes underscores his lasting impact on Brazilian landscape architecture. #RodrigoOliveira #LandscapeArchitecture #BrazilianArchitecture #NaturalisticDesign #SustainableGardens #IsayWeinfeld #StudioMK27 #JacobsenArquitetura #Brazil

Jacobsen Arquitetura designed a house in São Paulo where a decked walkway extends across a shallow reflecting pool, separating the two primary wings of the residence. The property is strategically positioned on the highest part of its sloping site, a choice made to maximize views while minimizing any potential overlooking from nearby homes. The design features two parallel sections, each of the same width and length but intentionally offset from one another, defining the communal and private areas of the home. The central element of the design is a bridging structure that houses the main entrance. Access to this entrance is achieved via a wooden path that elegantly crosses the reflecting pool. This walkway continues through the glass-walled entrance hall, extending beyond to create a strong visual and physical connection with the surrounding garden and landscape. Below the main wings, on the lower portion of the site, a stone-walled volume is oriented perpendicularly to the upper structures. This lower level accommodates a large children's playroom and essential service areas, including storage, dog kennels, and living quarters for staff, contributing to the comprehensive functionality of the property. On one side of the entrance hall, a corridor leads to an open-plan living room and dining area, connecting seamlessly to a home cinema and a gym at the opposite end. A continuous concrete terrace runs along this side of the house, offering protection from the sun with its overhanging eaves and providing direct access to a swimming pool and an adjacent decked outdoor space, enhancing the outdoor living experience. The second wing, situated at the rear of the site, is dedicated to the owners' and guests' accommodation. This section is designed to receive optimal morning sunlight and features sliding glass walls that open onto a sheltered deck, further integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. Structural innovation is a key aspect of the design; the building's framework is composed of laminated timber units, a system previously developed by the architects. These wooden elements form distinct porticoes that line the corridors in both wings. On the building's exterior, these wooden beams are supported by a metal frame that also houses the windows, allowing the beams to cantilever outwards, creating a sense of openness and connection to the horizon. The interior features a dramatic linear rhythm created by rows of beams traversing the ceilings, separated by 40-centimeter gaps. These ceilings appear to extend beyond the walls, reinforcing the visual link with the expansive landscape. The internal surfaces of these beams frame changing views of the pond as one moves through the corridors, adding dynamic visual interest to the living experience. Fernando Guerra provided the photography for the project, capturing the architectural details and the integration with the natural environment. #BrazilianArchitecture #SãoPauloHouse #ModernResidentialDesign #ReflectingPool #TimberConstruction #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #LuxuryHomes

The PZ House by mf+arquitetos, situated at the Jurumirim dam in Avaré, São Paulo, functions as a weekend retreat meticulously crafted to blend with its natural environment. The design of the house is fundamentally influenced by its proximity to the dam, ensuring that the surrounding landscape is consistently visible from all areas of the residence. The architectural scheme features a distinctive ‘T’-shaped volume, which facilitates an organized and efficient distribution of interior spaces, tailored to meet the family's requirements for both privacy and social interaction. The central section of the ‘T’-shaped structure accommodates the main entrance hall, which is characterized by a blend of materials. Muxarabi doors crafted from natural wood provide a welcoming aesthetic, while exposed concrete walls offer a robust and modern feel. These elements are complemented by wooden panels that add warmth and texture to the space. A concrete pergola is integrated into the design, contributing to the modern architectural aesthetic and serving a practical purpose by creating dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, enhancing the visual interest of the entrance area. The layout promotes fluid transitions between different zones, exemplified by the main kitchen’s connection to the living room through retractable wooden doors. This design choice allows for versatile use of space, facilitating social gatherings and adapting to various needs. A strategically placed block, clad in ebonized wood, separates the living room from the gourmet area. This block discreetly houses the bathrooms designated for the leisure area, providing both privacy and convenience. The gourmet area itself is positioned at the most advantageous end of the central block, offering panoramic views of the dam and the adjacent pool, thus maximizing the connection to the picturesque surroundings. A key design feature is the extensive use of sliding glass doors, which serve to dissolve the conventional boundaries between the indoor and outdoor environments. This creates a continuous, immersive outdoor living experience, integrating the natural beauty of the landscape with the comfort of the interior spaces. The right wing of the central volume is dedicated to practical and guest-oriented facilities, including the garage, a laundry room, guest accommodations, and a well-equipped gym, emphasizing comfort and functional utility. Conversely, the left wing is designed for more private living, housing the master suite, children’s suites, and a cozy TV room. This intentional separation ensures distinct zones for social activities and private relaxation, promoting tranquility for the occupants. Material selection was a crucial aspect of the design, with exposed concrete and wood chosen for their inherent durability and aesthetic compatibility with the natural setting. The architectural team's decision to utilize glued laminated timber construction significantly enhanced the efficiency of the building process, contributing to a faster and more sustainable construction timeline. The interior is furnished with carefully selected pieces, such as linen and leather armchairs, which harmonize with the overall architectural style and the surrounding landscape, culminating in comfortable and sophisticated living environments. The lighting system is meticulously designed to accentuate both the architectural details and the natural features of the landscape, generating a warm and inviting ambiance that highlights the textures of the chosen materials, both during the day and after dusk. The PZ House stands as a testament to the seamless integration of modern architecture with its natural environment, offering a functional, elegant, and deeply connected living space. #PZHouse #mfArquitetos #ResidentialArchitecture #ConcreteDesign #WoodArchitecture #SãoPaulo #WeekendRetreat #SustainableDesign #ModernAesthetics

The Itamambuca Residence, a 4,844-square-foot concrete home in Brazil designed by São Paulo studio Arquitetura Gui Mattos, offers a unique indoor-outdoor living experience amidst a verdant rainforest near a beach. The home's orthogonal structure is set on a concrete slab slightly raised off the ground, a design choice that serves multiple functional and aesthetic purposes. This elevated foundation functions as a step leading to the main living areas on the lower level and enhances the residents' views of the surrounding trees and plants. Throughout the lower level, glazed, sliding walls can be fully opened, blurring the lines between the interior and the natural environment. These walls are strategically placed a short distance from the edge of the raised concrete floor, creating sheltered terrace decks. These outdoor spaces provide a perfect setting for the owners to relax, enjoy the garden views, or overlook the adjacent pool, fostering a deep connection with nature. Above the main living area, the roof structure is another concrete slab, but ingeniously designed as an inverted prism. Its tip points downwards from the center of the ceiling, causing the central point to slant towards the four corners. This architectural feature creates a sense of openness within the interiors and offers unobstructed sight lines towards the dense jungle surrounding the property. The roof is supported by eight robust concrete columns, which are angled towards the center of the prism. This angling not only provides structural stability but also maximizes the views from inside the home. Beneath this roof, the lower level houses an open-plan living lounge, dining area, and kitchen, all designed to embrace the expansive natural setting. A wooden box structure spans the width of the roof, housing the private quarters. This upper level accommodates the master bedroom, three additional smaller bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Access to this rooftop structure is provided by a staircase situated between two wooden volumes on the lower level. The front of this elevated box features fully glazed walls that open onto a deck, offering spectacular panoramic views of the lush, green jungle, further integrating the home with its natural surroundings. #ConcreteHomes #BrazilianArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #RainforestHome #ModernDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #NatureIntegration #UniqueRoofStructure

In São Paulo, a city known for its subtropical climate, the desire for ample outdoor living space is paramount. This was the driving force behind the commissioning of Casa Bento. The homeowners, a couple who also work together and have two young daughters, sought to escape the limitations of their previous traditional residence, which lacked seamless flow between its interior spaces and the surrounding garden. Their vision was a home designed for extensive entertaining of family and friends, both indoors and out. Architect Flavio Castro, founder of FCstudio, whose architectural philosophy centers on responsiveness to evolving lifestyles, was tasked with realizing this vision. The clients had acquired a lot on Rua Bento de Andrade, their childhood street in the desirable Jardim Paulista neighborhood, a verdant yet bustling area. Castro's primary challenge was to design a structure that would shield the occupants from street noise and views of neighboring properties, while simultaneously fostering an open, airy atmosphere deeply integrated with the lushly landscaped site. The resulting 4,560-square-foot, two-story residence, a 2022 Best of Year Winner for Small City House, is strategically positioned in the center of the walled lot. It features a design resembling a metal box resting on robust board-formed concrete sidewalls. The ground floor's end facades are fully glazed, creating a visual connection between the entry hall and the parking courtyard at the front, and harmoniously blending indoor and outdoor living areas at the back. In contrast, the second story is clad in folded steel lamina, a material also used for the street fence which can pivot upwards to allow car access. A narrow clerestory crowns the upper level, presenting a solid facade to passersby during the day but illuminating with a halo-like glow at night. The metal box design opens up significantly at the rear, where a continuous band of sliding glass windows extends across most of the back facade and partially along a sidewall. This glazing encloses the main bedroom, providing abundant natural light and views of the verdant garden below. These windows are equipped with large Cor-Ten steel shutters that function as a brise-soleil, effectively deflecting intense sunlight and ensuring complete privacy and quiet when closed. Cor-Ten steel, a material favored by Castro for its honesty, weather-resistant properties, and harmonious texture and color with the house's concrete, steel, and greenery, is also used for the front door. The ground level is dedicated to entertaining. Situated at the back of the house, the social zone includes a spacious living-dining area bordered by a large patio and garden on one side, and a galley kitchen on the other. The kitchen, encased in sumptuous pau ferro wood, features a wide, proscenium-like passthrough facilitating interaction during meal preparation. The dining area is defined by a custom jatoba wood table and Fernando Prado pendant fixtures, while the living area comprises a seating group with furniture by Sérgio Rodrigues and Claudia Moreira Salles. The patio, sheltered by the second-floor overhang, is furnished with a concrete dining table by Matthias Ambros von Holleben and an outdoor kitchen with teak doors. Cement pavers extend from the patio into the garden, leading to a small dipping pool, a metal firepit, and custom perforated-metal benches with integrated side tables and cachepots, all designed by FCstudio. A dramatic blackened-steel staircase, suspended from the entry hall ceiling like a Donald Judd sculpture, ascends to the second-floor family bedrooms. The open landing at the top spans the full width of the house and is deep enough to serve as a home theater. While window walls at either end of this space can be darkened with curtains and steel lamina shutters, the clerestory provides soft natural light during the day. Down a long corridor on the second floor are the daughters' bedrooms and the main suite. Each daughter's room features a platform bed with a whimsical painted-steel gable-roof frame, along with built-in storage. A floating concrete stair, echoing the sculptural quality of the main staircase, leads to a children's play area in the basement, where staff quarters, service areas, and storage are also located. Casa Bento, while named after its street, reflects the balanced functionality and aesthetic precision of a traditional Japanese bento box, with every element meticulously placed within its microcosm. #SãoPauloArchitecture #FCstudioDesign #OutdoorLiving #ModernHomeDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #ContemporaryBrazilianHome #CustomInteriors #SustainableMaterials #FamilyHome

Apartment NUBE in São Paulo, Brazil, is a 4,521-square-foot urban retreat designed by Nati Minas & Studio and Flipê Arquitetura, specifically tailored to the lives and extensive CD collection of its owners. Located in the tree-lined Jardim Europa neighborhood, the apartment strikes a balance between calm and drama, featuring a double-height living space and sliding glass walls that open up the interior. The design process was deeply personalized, with the architects meticulously studying the residents' daily routines to create a functional and aesthetic environment that caters to both intimate moments and large social gatherings. The apartment's layout includes expansive areas for entertaining, alongside more private spaces such as an intimate kitchen, a bar, a wine cellar, a home theater, and an office. Architect Nati Minas emphasizes the firm's philosophy of translating the client's essence into the architectural design, viewing each project as a unique portrait of its inhabitants. This client-centric approach ensures that the space is not merely trendy but deeply reflective of the homeowners' personalities and needs. A central feature of Apartment NUBE is the ingenious integration of the owner's collection of over 5,000 CDs. Instead of relegating the collection to a hidden room, the designers transformed it into an integral architectural element. Floor-to-ceiling shelves line the structural perimeter of the apartment, accessible via elevated walkways. This design choice not only showcases the collection but also draws the eye upwards, enhancing the verticality of the double-height living room and allowing natural light to permeate the space. The repeating wood-framed modules create a visual rhythm that guides visitors through the musical archives. The material palette of Apartment NUBE leans into texture, providing a tactile and grounding experience. Chunky granite slabs are strategically incorporated throughout the apartment, appearing in an entrance wall that conceals a hidden door, the sculptural staircase, kitchen work surfaces, and the bar island. These rugged surfaces offer a striking contrast to the smooth wooden finishes found on the floors and ceilings, which contribute to a sense of warmth in the social areas. Connecting the two floors is an angular staircase, wrapped in light, textured wood and featuring rustic granite treads. This staircase serves as a sculptural focal point, anchoring the open-plan living areas. While the overall palette is largely neutral, curated splashes of color are introduced through elements like lush green plants, placed on custom-carved stone bases beneath the stairs, and freestanding furniture pieces. These pops of color and distinct furniture arrangements define different zones within the open layout without disrupting the apartment’s seamless flow, resulting in an environment that is both serene and engaging. Beyond the main living area, a cozy bar adjacent to the living room includes an enclosed wine cellar, designed as a private lounge space for the couple or for entertaining close friends. This area maintains a sense of privacy while remaining conveniently close to the kitchen for easy access to snacks. The thoughtful integration of personal passions, functional design, and a harmonious material palette results in a sophisticated and deeply personal living space in São Paulo. #ApartmentDesign #SãoPauloArchitecture #InteriorDesign #CustomLivingSpace #CDCollectionIntegration #TexturalMaterials #ModernBrazilianDesign #DoubleHeightLiving #ClientCentricDesign

DepA Architects, a Porto-based firm, has undertaken the renovation and extension of a traditional Portuguese home situated in the northern district of Porto. The project aimed to optimize the home's previously compartmentalized floor plan and integrate a new extension around two distinct gardens. The design approach focused on referencing the original structure's aesthetic, particularly its decorative tiled facade framed by green concrete panels, while introducing a contemporary sensibility. The exterior of the two-storey residence now features an exposed concrete and sage-green tiled facade. This choice of material and color palette was deliberate, drawing inspiration from the existing building and ensuring harmony with the surrounding typical Portuguese architecture. The studio incorporated sage green tiles for the primary facade, complemented by exposed concrete beams that define the entrance of a newly added garage. The architects emphasized the preservation of the building's historical identity, seeking to maximize the plot's potential by retaining the main structure and adding a new volume at the rear, oriented inward towards the two patios. The initial state of the property included several disjointed annexes, which resulted in a floor plan with many small rooms lacking natural light. DepA Architects addressed this by opening up the interior spaces, creating a more fluid and flexible layout. The garden was subsequently divided into two courtyards, with the new extension facilitating this reorientation. A central idea behind the renovation was to leverage the long and deep plot, maintaining the original house while introducing a new volume in the backyard. This strategy led to the creation of elongated spaces that organize a pathway from the entrance, fostering an open plan that enhances the connection between interior spaces and with the exterior patios. The interior design continues the material and color themes established on the exterior. The ground floor now accommodates a two-car garage, a kitchen, open-plan dining and living areas, a study, and a bathroom. A long corridor spans from the front garage area to the living spaces at the rear, occupying what were previously separate annexes. Ochre-hued concrete was applied to the floors throughout the ground level, while board-marked concrete covers the walls and ceilings, contributing to a unified aesthetic across the largely open-plan interior. Portuguese chestnut wood adds warmth, used for doors and cabinetry, while the exterior's sage green is echoed in interior elements such as skirting boards, balustrades, and external door frames. The reconfigured outdoor spaces include two courtyards. The first, adjacent to the dining room, features dark wood decking. The second, located at the back of the property, includes a pool, outdoor showers, and integrated seating within an ochre concrete wall. DepA Architects, established in 2009, specializes in reimagining and reorganizing existing buildings, aiming to create contemporary homes that maintain their original character while maximizing interaction with outdoor environments. This project exemplifies their philosophy by blending traditional Portuguese elements with modern architectural interventions. #PortugueseArchitecture #HomeRenovation #DepAArchitects #SageGreenTiles #ConcreteDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #CourtyardGardens #OpenPlanLiving #MaterialPalette

Sussurro House, designed by Italian architect Davide Andracco, is situated in São Miguel do Gostoso, Brazil, amidst palm trees along the Atlantic coast. Completed in 2023, this project, spanning 283 square meters on an 1100 square meter plot, integrates modern design principles with respect for the natural environment, aiming to create an elegant and comfortable living space for an Italo-Brazilian family. The house’s orientation, east-west, is deliberately chosen to maximize natural light exposure and optimize ventilation from the trade winds, a crucial aspect for tropical climates. The architectural layout of Casa Sussurro is organized into three distinct zones, each identifiable from the exterior, which define the structure's volume and aesthetic. The primary sector, serving as the central hub of the residence, features a spacious living room combined with an island kitchen. This area is specifically designed to encourage family interaction and conviviality, boasting a high ceiling of 3.6 meters to enhance comfort and spaciousness. An expansive veranda extends from this central living area, opening into a garden adorned with native flora, thereby seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor environments. This design choice highlights a commitment to integrating the living space with its natural surroundings. The project’s specifications include the architectural firm Davide Andracco Architetto, with the lead architect being Davide Andracco himself. The total area of the house is 283 square meters. Andrew Franca is credited for the photography, capturing the essence of the design. Key collaborators in the project include NS Brazil for manufacturing, Ricardo Simon for engineering, Carmelo Lombardo for metallic works, Adriano Fontes for carpentry works (Obras De Carpintaria), and Jailson Miranda for carpentry. Wando Carneiro was responsible for masonry works. These details underscore the collaborative effort and the range of expertise involved in bringing Casa Sussurro to fruition. Casa Sussurro exemplifies a thoughtful approach to residential architecture, where contemporary design meets environmental consciousness. The strategic use of orientation for light and ventilation, the integration of living spaces with nature through the veranda and garden, and the clear volumetric definition of its sectors contribute to a dwelling that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional within its unique geographical context. The project reflects a careful consideration of its inhabitants' needs for comfort and elegance, while also harmonizing with the idyllic landscape of São Miguel do Gostoso. #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #Brazil #SãoMiguelDoGostoso #DavideAndraccoArchitetto #ContemporaryDesign #NaturalVentilation #IndoorOutdoorLiving

Tsou Arquitectos designed Casa Vertical, a tall, narrow home in Porto, Portugal. The project addresses the challenges of a thin, triangular site by organizing the dwelling's spaces vertically around a central staircase. The staircase, constructed from exposed concrete and featuring plywood panel balustrades, is a key element that unifies the interior. The design incorporates half-floor intervals on either side of the four-story home, creating visual connections and allowing light to spread effectively through the space. The architects aimed to accommodate a functional program within the narrow plot situated in the city's downtown area. The ground floor of Casa Vertical includes a slightly sunken studio space that opens onto a small rear garden. A curving lightwell extends from this studio to the first-floor living room, ensuring adequate illumination. The narrow eastern section of the home houses a kitchen, a bedroom, and a laundry room, with each level providing views of the back of the site through large windows. On the western side, the ground floor is occupied by a garage. A dining room with a balcony is located on the first floor, while the second and third floors contain additional bedrooms and bathrooms. At the top of the residence, a rooftop terrace, featuring simple paving and an outdoor seating area, offers views of the city. The exterior facade of Casa Vertical is designed to harmonize with the proportions of neighboring buildings, though it distinguishes itself with minimalist white plaster and a gently curving top section. The design maintains a monolithic character through its uniform finish and the stereotomy of the facade's lines, echoing traditional Porto urban houses with their vertical windows, tripartite facade, and cornice top. Inside, the minimalist aesthetic continues with a light, natural palette. Exposed concrete, white walls, and timber carpentry define the interiors. Raw materials like cement are used for all floors, while soft wood is utilized for doors, cabinets, and guardrails, reinforcing the project's cohesive design. Marble stone is incorporated into kitchen countertops and sanitary installations, adding refined touches to the raw material scheme. This careful selection of materials and vertical organization addresses the site's constraints while creating a bright and interconnected living environment. #PortugueseHouses #PortoArchitecture #ConcreteStaircase #ResidentialDesign #TsouArquitectos #NarrowPlotDesign #Lightwell #ModernArchitecture #MinimalistInterior #UrbanHome

The article details the renovation of a 4,000-square-foot apartment in São Paulo by Pascali Semerdjian Architects for clients Renato Lulia Jacob and Emily Perry. The couple, originally from Brazil and the U.S. respectively, decided to move to São Paulo from London to raise their daughters speaking Portuguese and spend more time with family. They chose Pascali Semerdjian Architects due to existing connections and the firm's reputation. The project began with the selection of a 1990s apartment in the leafy Vila Nova Conceicao neighborhood, close to Ibarapuera Park. The couple sought a space that could be extensively renovated, and their plans were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the entire design and renovation process being managed remotely via Zoom, with the clients only returning shortly before completion. The clients had a clear vision for their new home, informed by years of renting in various international cities. Their checklist included ample wall space for an expanding art collection, generously sized but not overly grand public areas, a preference for natural materials over leather or synthetic fabrics, and a strict requirement for sustainability certifications for all wood used in the renovation. The overarching goal was to create a home that proudly embodied the spirit of São Paulo. The renovation commenced with a complete gutting of the apartment. A significant discovery was the building's original concrete formwork, previously concealed by a gypsum ceiling, which was subsequently exposed in several rooms. Structural limitations were minimal, except for a plumbing pipe ingeniously integrated into the daughters' playroom design. The layout was reconfigured to include public areas and a guest suite in the southern half, while sliding doors allowed for private access between the three family bedrooms and the kitchen. A key focus was on developing social zones that blended Brazilian cultural elements with a cosmopolitan aesthetic. The entry hall features a striking hemicycle of light through a jade-colored Pakistani onyx panel, evoking a sunset. Board-formed concrete panels extend from the entry through the public areas, creating a 'tunnel' effect and curving around the building’s corners. These panels also frame built-in sofas in the living room, replacing an old fireplace niche. The design's refinement is evident in its meticulous details and material junctions. The kitchen, for instance, showcases a complex arrangement of washed freijo wood and pale gray quartz shelves, crafted with museum-like precision. A 9-foot-long freijo table cantilevers from a monolithic concrete island, a design choice that reflects São Paulo's architectural tradition of elevating heavy concrete structures. The apartment also embraces its tropical surroundings with lush, planted terraces that encircle the property, creating an 'exuberant jungle' reminiscent of Ibarapuera Park. This integration of chaotic natural elements with structured concrete materials defines the home's identity. The residence ultimately achieves a sense of tranquility that complements the vibrant urban environment, reinforcing the allure of São Paulo that drew the family back to the city. #SustainableDesign #BrazilianArchitecture #InteriorRenovation #SãoPauloStyle #ModernLiving #ConcreteFormwork #NaturalMaterials #ResidentialDesign

Architects Clara Reynaldo of CR2Arquitetura and Lourenco Gimenes of FGMF designed their own family home on a challenging 4x30m narrow plot in São Paulo. The primary challenge was to integrate the entire house program within the limited space while ensuring sufficient natural light and ventilation. Their solution involved extensive research, drawing inspiration from compact Japanese and Dutch home designs. The final design, which took three years to complete, strategically incorporates a central garden. This garden is cut into the constructed volume, creating three façades that are generously bathed in natural light. This approach was crucial for maximizing illumination and ventilation within the narrow confines of the plot. The house is structured into two main blocks, positioned on either side of this central courtyard. These blocks are interconnected by a corridor on the ground floor and a mesh footbridge on the first floor. The larger, front-facing block houses the primary living areas, including the kitchen, sitting room, and bedrooms on the upper level. The smaller, rear block supports the front structure and contains service areas, circulation paths, an office, and a TV room. An unconventional design decision was to place the kitchen facing the street, allowing the living room to be oriented towards the private central garden. This choice transformed a potential obstacle into a design opportunity, emphasizing the kitchen's form and integrating it spatially into the home. To further enhance the spatial integration and perception of openness, the architects innovatively sunk the kitchen by 75cm into the ground. This created an elevated corridor that runs alongside it and leads directly into the living room. The interior and exterior of the house maintain a monochromatic palette with clean, white, light-reflecting surfaces. This choice, combined with large openings facing the courtyard, contributes to the illusion of a more expansive space than its actual dimensions suggest. The project also prioritized the use of recyclable materials. The overall result is a bright and airy home that efficiently utilizes every part of the narrow plot. This design demonstrates how thoughtful architectural solutions can overcome significant site constraints to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable living environment, effectively making the small space feel larger and more connected to nature through strategic use of light and spatial relationships. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #SãoPaulo #UrbanHousing #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #NarrowPlotHouse #ArchitecturalInnovation

The "Patio House," designed by Renata Barbugli and completed in 2022, is a residential project located in Quinta das Laranjeiras, Brazil. This 514 square meter house was conceived with a strong emphasis on fostering coexistence and social gatherings, while simultaneously maintaining the privacy of its more intimate spaces. The architectural design revolves around a central patio, a common element in Brazilian residential architecture, which serves as a nexus for various activities and visual connections within the home. The project incorporates several key manufacturers and suppliers, including Indusparquet for flooring, Deca for sanitary ware, Depósito de Pedras São José for natural stones, Docol for plumbing fixtures, Durafloor for laminates, Marcenaria Móveis Figueira for custom cabinetry, Portobello for ceramic tiles, Portpedras for additional stone work, Rn Esquadrias de Aluminio for aluminum frames, and Sincol portas for doors. The lighting design was handled by Jabu Elétrica, and the landscape architecture was developed by Licuri Paisagismo, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive design. Photographs by Favaro Jr. extensively document the house, capturing both its exterior and interior features. The images showcase the facade, garden areas, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and various interior details, highlighting the interplay of light, materials, and spatial arrangements. Notable interior elements include a prominent wooden ceiling, extensive use of glass for natural light, and strategically placed furniture that defines functional zones within open-plan areas. The architectural approach prioritizes natural light and ventilation, achieved through large windows and glass panels that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design's success lies in its ability to create a harmonious environment for both communal activities and private retreat, adapting to the needs of a family that values both social interaction and personal space. The use of a patio is central to this concept, acting as an organizing element that facilitates flow and visual connection across different parts of the house. The house's design is characterized by modern aesthetics combined with functional considerations. The selection of materials reflects a commitment to quality and durability, while contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal. The integration of landscape design further enhances the living experience, providing green spaces and natural elements that complement the built environment. This project exemplifies how contemporary residential architecture in Brazil can successfully balance openness with privacy, creating a comfortable and inviting home for its inhabitants. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseDesign #PatioHouse #BrazilianArchitecture #ModernHome #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign #QuintaDasLaranjeiras #RenataBarbugli

Victor B. Ortiz Architecture unveils the design for the Cacao Residence, a new dwelling situated on the northern coast of Brazil within the exclusive Txai Resort in Itacare. The project integrates European design principles with traditional Brazilian craftsmanship and natural materials to create a tropical hideaway. The design is specifically tailored to the client's vision, combining simplicity and elegance with the rich tones and textures of the tropical environment. The residence is conceptually organized around a native Cacao tree, reflecting a deep connection to the local ecosystem. Spanning two levels, the lower floor houses the main living areas and a swimming pool, while the upper level is dedicated to private spaces. This upper floor includes two bedroom suites, a master bedroom, and a gym and office area. The main entrance, located on the upper level, is illuminated by a wooden pergola skylight that floods the space with natural light. The guest suite is strategically placed on the lower level to ensure maximum privacy and to take advantage of the expansive views. The living and dining areas on the lower level are designed for seamless integration with the outdoors. Large sliding doors open directly onto an outdoor terrace, effectively extending the interior living space to meet the adjacent swimming pool. This architectural choice blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the tropical living experience. A key design element of the Cacao Residence is its thoughtful placement of numerous openings and windows. These features are meticulously positioned to frame specific, curated views of the surrounding natural landscape, establishing a continuous visual dialogue with the coastal environment. The material palette complements this openness, characterized by warm tones that enhance the natural feel of the residence. The walls and ceilings are finished with an off-white lime wash paint, providing a soft backdrop, while the interior and exterior flooring are unified with a light gray micro-cement, creating a cohesive flow throughout the property. Natural wood accents are used prominently in the windows, doors, the pergola skylight, casework, and furniture, adding warmth and texture. The dwelling's front facade and outdoor kitchen are clad in rammed earth, a choice that not only celebrates locally sourced materials but also highlights traditional construction techniques. This use of rammed earth contributes to the home's aesthetic, which balances rustic and monolithic elements with clean, curved lines and elegant metal fixtures. The overarching goal of the design is to provide a comfortable and fully-equipped home capable of hosting multiple guests, offering urban amenities within a tropical setting, and deeply prioritizing the outdoor experience and connection to nature. #Architecture #ResidentialArchitecture #BrazilianArchitecture #RammedEarth #CoastalDesign #SustainableDesign #TropicalArchitecture #LuxuryHomes #VictorOrtiz

Lote Studio has designed and constructed Casa CG, an elevated residence located on the coastal edge of Punta Hueso in Chile's Coquimbo region. The architectural design by Juan Pablo Gutiérrez García and José Ignacio Ferreira centers on a grid-based structure composed of nine distinct parts. Eight of these sections, forming the outer perimeter, are crafted from wood, while the ninth, central section is a concrete spiral staircase that functions as the main entrance to the home. The entire structure is raised off the ground, a deliberate choice that minimizes disruption to the underlying plants and soil, allowing natural elements like wind and sunlight to move freely beneath the house. This elevated position also grants the residence expansive scenic views in all directions, particularly of the Pacific Ocean. The primary framework of Casa CG utilizes laminated wooden beams, which are strategically connected to the central circular concrete core. A layered system supports the main floor, starting with larger wooden beams, followed by smaller beams placed atop them, and finally, horizontal wooden purlins. This intricate system effectively conceals the spiral staircase from an immediate view upon approach. Upon ascending the central concrete spiral staircase, visitors arrive at a small hallway. From this point, the interior layout is divided into distinct public and private zones. The public area encompasses the living room, dining room, and kitchen, each occupying one of the three designated wooden sections. The private quarters, comprising a bedroom and a bathroom, are situated within two other wooden sections. A core philosophy of simplicity guides the design of Casa CG, extending from the interior spaces to the exterior. This design ethos culminates in a balcony, which is integrated into the remaining three wooden sections. This balcony offers residents and guests uninterrupted panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is specifically oriented to provide optimal views of the sunset over the water. The elevation of the home and the careful placement of the balcony emphasize a connection with the natural surroundings, allowing for an immersive experience of the coastal environment. The construction predominantly features wood and concrete as the main materials. The central concrete core bears the majority of the structural load, while the wooden elements define the rest of the building's form and aesthetics. The innovative system of beams and purlins ensures the stability of the raised floor while significantly reducing the environmental impact on the site. The deliberate nine-section grid organizes the interior spaces into a coherent, boxy shape, with the circular concrete core serving as a distinctive focal point and entrance marker. The spiral staircase acts as a symbolic and literal transition, connecting the ground to the elevated living spaces and subtly hinting at the natural vistas awaiting those inside. #CasaCG #LoteStudio #ChileanArchitecture #ElevatedResidence #WoodAndConcrete #SpiralStaircase #CoastalDesign #SustainableArchitecture #PuntaHueso

The article showcases a unique residential project by Fala Atelier in Matosinhos, Portugal, which redefines suburban architecture with an unconventional design. The house, spanning 2,580 square feet, features an inverted roof where one side is curved and the other straight, creating a distinct silhouette that stands out from typical suburban homes. The structure is described as an 'exploded box' resting on a translucent plinth. The exterior of the house employs a striking black, white, and green color palette, a signature of Fala Atelier, but with new and surprising elements. Different vertical and slanted surfaces are meticulously chosen and set apart with varying colors. The facade is punctuated by a mix of round and square windows, which are arranged to compose three distinct elevations, some evoking faces or imaginary animals. Adding to the playful aesthetic, the house incorporates blue and green shutters that can conceal the openings, giving it the appearance of a paper collage with colored figures scattered across a white canvas. The color scheme is elaborate, featuring hues of green, blue, light green, black, white, and green again. Inside the residence, the structural elements are intentionally detached from the walls. A sequence of five slender, light green concrete columns is prominently featured in different rooms, designed to subtly obstruct daily routines, emphasizing their presence as sculptural elements rather than hidden supports. Notably, one of these columns extends to the outdoor terrace, seemingly supporting nothing, which further highlights the architect's unconventional approach to structure and form. The ground floor hosts an open living space that seamlessly connects to the garden and an office situated above it. The interior's complexity is enhanced by double-height spaces, occasional kinks in the walls, and the visible concrete columns, all beneath a gently sloped ceiling. The upper floor houses the primary bedroom within an extruded quarter-circle space, adding another unique geometric dimension to the layout. The house's construction is a deliberate assembly of various surfaces—straight, folded, cut, curved, and tilted—crafted from materials such as concrete, marble, and glass brick. These surfaces divide, overlap, intersect, and cover different areas, all anchored by the bold, punching-through columns. The interior space is designed to meander between these carefully choreographed elements, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. The architectural concept defines the house as a figure that is simultaneously complete and broken, reflecting a deliberate disruption of conventional architectural norms. #FalaAtelier #PortugalArchitecture #ModernDesign #InvertedRoof #UniqueHomes #ArchitecturalInnovation #ColorfulFacade #ConcreteColumns #SuburbanRevolution