The site, of 10,000 m² and adjacent to a beautiful native forest, was slightly downhill facing north and also the best view. The program of this house should be divided between "daytime area” and "nighttime area”. The "nighttime area” would be in the higher floor, to provide warmth and safety. On the other hand, the "daytime area” should stay in a lower floor with full connection to the outside and the garden. The rooms should be broad and open with many patios.
Designed by Reinach Mendonça Arquitetos Associados
Photographed by Nelson Kon
The architectural project, by Reinach Mendonça Arquitetos Associados, defined an arrival from above, in a first ground block and parallel to the street, where support areas such as car shelters, warehouses and caretaker's homes were implemented. Separated from this block by a generous service yard, but connected to it through suspended walkways, a second block was defined, where the night and day program of the house itself is developed.
In the higher floor, but in level with the arrival, is the family unit of the program, like an apartment, with living room, kitchen and bedrooms – the so-called "night floor". On the lower floor, dedicated to the “daytime period”, it features a second kitchen, guest bedrooms and social balconies with leisure areas. A generous double-height balcony, in exposed concrete structure, often supported by light and thin metal pillars, connects the two floors of this residence. A wooden muxarabi, facing the forest protects this large balcony from the rising sun.
