Modern Residential Design

Bernardes + Jacobsen Vila Nova Da Conceiçao Residence Smoke and Mirrors - once past the solid industrial façade of this residence, light, shade and reflections open up this hemmed in residence by Thiago Bernardes and Paulo Jacobsen . Overview & Plot In dealing with a narrow conical plot near Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo, stretching the layout and smart use of structural steel, has rewarded Thiago Bernardes and Paul Jacobsen. The sloped plot, required them to play with the layout of the house, spreading out and reordering the location of the office, five bedrooms with en suites, and the gym into a plot of just 760m 2 . At the narrow entrance end of the plot sit the service area, laundry and garage, just below ground level. Half a level above street height and just a little further down the plot are the entrance, kitchen and dining room. From here, an impressive atrium carries you either: down a long set of short depth stairs the living room, home theatre and gym; or upstair...

Bernardes + Jacobsen CF Residence Steeling the show - Blessed with a great plot and open brief, a lightweight, transparent, horizontal building, was what the architects Thiago Bernardes and Paulo Jacobsen designed. Overview & Plot Located on a plot in the picturesque condominium Portogalo in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Paulo Jacobsen and Thiago Bernardes wanted to accommodate a large family retreat taking full advantage of the plot and its location. The challenge was how to minimise the buildings impact from roadside - difficult with such a large house. Departing from traditional Brazilian wood or brick structures the house employs steel to span the vast openings that connect all rooms to the views below. The svelte steel corner pillars provide minimal interruption to the open plan dining and living area of the ground floor. In summertime (almost constant in Angra dos Reis) the glass panels dividing this area up slide away to provide an enormous expanse of shade. Half...

Frederico Zanelato Casa Martins Siquiera A True Weekend Retreat - Ferederico Zanelato's own house no doubt paved the way for the design of this marvellous family home near São Paulo. Maximising the slope of the plot, this house spreads living over three levels in three distinct zones. Overview The embracing the views of the Serra do Japi was the "be all" and "end all" of this build. Frederico wanted a house that stimulates discussion, where spaces are integrated and connected to each other, as well as the surrounding plot. Conveniently the plot is well orientated to minimise the suns impact on the residence, and thus the requirements of air conditioning. Frederico's skills at minimising materials and specifying kept this build in economical proportions as well. Total construction cost $510US/m². Lot Located in a condominium between Jundiaí and Itupeva, 60km from São Paulo, 1000m², with a mild slope and a fantastic views of the Serra do Japi. The client ...

Frederico Zanelato Architect's Residence Structured Strata - Layered up for optimum views, ventilation and privacy, Ferederico Zanelato's house in São Paulo is a quality residence at an economical price. Overview This architect’s house is what it should be, driven out of pure needs and the situation at hand, with clear intention. Frederico, with a Masters focus in economical design, is conscious about using materials wisely. Serving him well in the design of his own house, which apart from quality hard wearing flooring, uses well finished local materials to create a high class residence. Completed in 2005 and setting aside the cost of the plot, the house came in at under $400 US per square metre for construction! Far more impressive, considering that similar executions in São Paulo are quoted as $1200 US. The plot is located in the Sierra Itapety, 54km from São Paulo, surrounded by a pool of Atlantic Forest, which drives the houses windows and openings, catching your e...

Arthur Casas House in Iporanga Thanks to Arthur, Kelen and the team at Arthur Casas , I’ve received an early Christmas present to share with you all. The Immaculate “House in Iporanga” and a new addition to tags, Architect’s Own Houses. “I always wanted a house in the middle of the forest, in a place where I could relax and recharge my energy”, says Arthur. In the form of two large symmetrical cubes embracing an open space, this house was idealised as his dream house. Arthur’s aim was interiors in total synergy with exteriors. Bringing the outside in are 11 meter floor to ceiling glass windows, on both ends of the open central space. Cumaru wood paneling runs from top to bottom in an attempt to match and blend in with is beautiful surroundings “…as if this were ever 100% possible” admits Arthur. As the Cumaru extends into the house, sterile white stucco contrasts, highlighting the wood’s warm color. This simple brown and white palette provides a nice canvas for interesting/...