Expansive Living: Multiple Volumes Create a Breezy Brazilian Home
Working around unique constraints presented by rugged landscape often brings the very best in architects and results in homes that reimagine conventional design. The irregular shape and sloped terrain of a corner lot in Bragança Paulista, Brazil meant that Reinach Mendonça Arquitetos Associados had to create an innovative home plan that overcame spatial and aesthetic hurdles. House EL is more a collection of three individual volumes rather than one flowing structure, which are interconnected using a series of courtyards, covered walkways and pergolas. Each of the volume serves a specific purpose with functionality defining the boundaries.
Multiple volumes shape stylish and open contemporary home
The main volume of the house in concrete and standing on steel columns contains two different levels and house the living area along with the main bedrooms. An entirely different volume contains the guest bedrooms along with the fabulous sauna and home spa. A glass pergola roof connects the main living area with the guest rooms while a central courtyard along with the pool and the garden interlink the separate units. A double height living area opens up to the outdoors with large glass doors and sweeping wooden windows allowing those inside to switch between unabated views and complete privacy. [Photography: Nelson Kon]
Cantilevered concrete block on steel pillarsConcrete gives the interior a relaxing modern appealDouble height living area with ample natural ventilationOpen double-height living area opens up to the lovely view outsideShaded deck extends the living space outdoorsStone and concrete create a unique fusion of materialsSauna, spa and guest wing at the stylish Brazilian homeSweeping balconies and open bedrooms at House EL
All volumes together result in an “L” site plan around the pool courtyard, on mid level of the terrain respecting the natural topography of the site. This arrangement prioritizes the external areas to the corners, propitiating a discreet and respectful relationship between the house and the neighborhood.
Kitchen connected with the spacious deck and pool areaShower area of the bathroom connected with the living wall outsidePool and deck at the lavish homeRear garden and pool of House ELUnique landscape and gardens around the Brazilian homeLandscaped garden around the Brazilian homeGlass pergola connects the living wing with the guest wingEntrance to House EL