Occupying an enviable plot by the beach on the north coast of São Paulo, The Guaecá Residence was designed to accommodate two families. Created by Belluzzo Martinhao Arquitetos, the two-story dwelling is organised over a 400 square metre area. The architects integrated common spaces and optimised seven private suites to suit the needs of the dual homeowners and their guests. As well as reconciling the extensive program indoors, the exterior of the home became an extension of interactive spaces. The main terrace incorporates a pool and sun deck that is enveloped by a lush landscape of graceful green mountains, whilst a roof terrace offers a spa, fire pit, and far-reaching sea views.
At the front entrance, lazy palm trees loll in the sunlight, on a bed of lush green ground cover. Stonework and slatted wooden panels give the home a cosy appeal. Perforated aluminium sheets clad the building with a stable rust-like corten colour. The material is resistant to the sea breeze from the north coast of São Paulo.
2 |
The solid wall of shutters around the upper floor open in a bifold arrangement. They reveal the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that glaze five of the bedrooms. The louvred shutters facilite cross ventilation with privacy. Even whilst in their open position, they are utilised to shield the sleeping quarters from the glare of direct sunshine.
Advertisement
3 |
Roof overhangs provide further shading. The projections also bestow the house with a sharp contemporary element that slices into the clear blue Brazilian skies.
4 |
A clear glass balustrade runs around the highest roofline, subtly hinting at the recreational area that is at home there. A solarium, spa, and a sociable firepit area await the two families and their guests.
The established greenery helps to meld the modern architecture into the environment.
7 |
Around the back of the house, retractable doors span almost the entire width of the building. The doors allow an inner living space to join seamlessly with the sun terrace and swimming pool.
8 |
The first view upon entering the home by the front door is the brilliant greenery of the back yard, which peeps through the open risers of a wooden staircase design.
Advertisement
9 |
The same stone that characterises the exterior of the building is continued inside of the home to make a striking entryway. The light stonework gives the interior a wonderfully light and rustic feel. Sleek furniture drops in the modern element, whilst decorative vases and sculptures lay down smaller points of interest.
10 |
Orange accents create a vibrant visual warmth inside of the large living room design. An orange striped living room rug is complemented by matching scatter cushions on the sofa. A pair of accent leather chairs face two pale beige counterparts to balance the lounge furniture layout.
11 |
The double height living room creates connection between the two floors of the home. The dual height void also provides better air circulation and accepts an influx of natural lighting.
12 |
A wooden ceiling design adds tropical style and a sense of cosiness to the lofty room. The richness of the wood stain has a visually warming effect on the plain white wall decor, and makes the ceiling appear a little closer. Small pendant lights dangle daintily in the towering expanse.
13 |
A unique wooden coffee table takes up the centre spot in the spacious lounge. Two modern planters and a multitude of small sculptures add intriguing adornments. Behind the two modern upholstered lounge chairs, an alcoholic drinks cart is on standby for merriment.
14 |
By the sofa, a square end table displays a collection of candles and a decorative tray. Large format floor tiles create a clean, cohesive flow between the lounge and an open plan kitchen diner area. The same tiles spread onto an alfresco entertainment area beside the pool deck.
15 |
The glass sided staircase design leads up to the private quarters of the home, including two master bedroom suites and three additional bedrooms.
16 |
The second flight of stairs leads to the continuation of the sociable leisure areas on the roof. The rooftop terrace also boasts the best view of the mountain and sea.
17 |
At the back of the open layout living room, the kitchen is a modern wooden design with a contrasting black kitchen island.
18 |
The kitchen island houses the hob, which allows the cook to chat with his or her guests whilst preparing the meal. The dining bar is lowered to accommodate a regular chair height. Small black kitchen pendant lights neatly flank a sleek stainless steel extractor fan.
19 |
Integrated appliances pierce the wooden kitchen design with more bright steel. Geometric kitchen canisters add a flash of pattern on the open kitchen shelving.
20 |
Fully equipped for the families hosting needs, the outer kitchen and dining area is generously proportioned. A modern ceiling fan cools the area during hot, sunny days.
21 |
The kitchen diner area spills directly onto a decked terrace, where outdoor chaise lounge chairs are situated towards the majestic mountain view.
22 |
A small swimming pool is aligned alongside the sun deck for cooling off.
23 |
Solar panels are given a portion of the roof.
24 |
Ground floor plan, including the social living areas, service areas, the swimming pool, and two bedroom suites.
25 |
Upper floor plan, including two large master bedroom suites and three more bedrooms.