Modernist House Embraces the Beauty of “Raw“ Materials

The B B House, located in São Paulo, Brazil, incorporates distinctive architectural elements that reflect the unique style of studio mk27. Vertical circulations designed as architectural promenades are a recurring feature in the studio’s works. As you approach the house, you’ll notice that the formal access to the social area is through an open ramp. This architectural trajectory provides a unique experience, sheltered laterally by hollowed-out concrete elements. These concrete blocks were specially designed for the project and create surprising light effects, changing the perception of the space throughout the day and the seasons. The B B House presents an intriguing ambiguity regarding the character of the interstitial space of the ramp: is it internal or external? This space serves as a transition between the protected interior of the building and the open garden, creating a constant sensation of changing environments. This use of ramps is a nod to Brazilian modernism, which embraced the radical use of these structures as a form of vertical circulation, reaffirming the principles of the architectural promenade proposed by Le Corbusier. The influence of Brazilian modernism also appears in the wall of hollowed-out elements, a renowned feature from the 1930s in Brazil. This solution is particularly suitable for the tropical climate, as it provides shading without blocking the fresh breeze. The combination of “raw“ materials, such as exposed concrete and wood, gives the residence a dynamic appearance that evolves over time. The social area of the house exudes a sense of coziness and comfort, being an open space free from structural interference that would disrupt furniture layout. A sliding door allows the kitchen to seamlessly integrate with the dining room. The food preparation counter is placed in front of a window that overlooks the ramp, receiving filtered light through the hollowed-out elements, making the kitchen a well-lit and pleasant space. In contrast to conventional solutions, the bedrooms are located on the first floor, directly connected to the garden, and can also be accessed internally via a staircase connected to the living room on the upper floor. The facade of this floor is composed of wooden elements that allow for internal control of sunlight. Project info: Location: State of São Paulo, Brazil Architects: Studio MK27, Galeria Arquitetos Architect In Charge: Marcio Kogan, Fernanda Neiva Co Architect: Renata Furlanetto Interior Design: Diana Radomysler Project Team : Julia Pinheiro Ribeiro Area: 683.0 sqm Year: 2014 Studio Team: Beatriz Meyer, Carolina Castroviejo, Eduardo Chalabi, Eduardo Glycerio, Gabriel Kogan, Lair Reis, Maria Cristina Motta, Mariana Simas, Oswaldo Pessano, Samanta Cafardo, Suzana Glogowski Landscape Designer: Renata Tilli Structure Engineer: Benedicts Engenharia Eng. Eduardo Duprat Construction Manager: Sergio Costa Consult Eng. Sérgio Costa Site Area: 605 sqm Photographs: Fernando Guerra | FG SG 0:00 - House Overview 0:48 - Access Ramp 1:21 - Entrance Hall 2:25 - Living / Dining / Kitchen 3:58 - Ramp / Staircase 4:49 - Master Suite 4:58 - Dusk 5:35 - The Mother-in-Law Appears 6:35 - Drawings