Brazilian Countryside House Embraces Slope for Enhanced Privacy and Thermal Comfort

Raiz Arquitetura has completed the design for MSA House, a residence situated in the Terras de São José II condominium in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil. The project was conceived to fulfill the clients’ desire for a permeable, integrated, and functional home that leverages the site’s natural topography – a slight slope – to offer captivating views of the valley.

The architectural firm, led by partners Alexandre Ferraz and Elias Souza, is known for its expertise in high-end residential projects within São Paulo’s coastal and rural areas. For MSA House, the firm strategically selected a plot at the edge of the condominium.

Por que importa

Considering the region’s thermal and climatic conditions, extensive studies were conducted to determine the optimal approach for natural ventilation and solar exposure within the interiors throughout the year. This research informed the ‘U’-shaped layout, which places the social areas at the heart of the home. The leisure and gourmet kitchen spaces occupy one end, while the entrance facade is positioned at the opposite, shorter end. A suspended block on the upper floor acts as a canopy, effectively shielding the entrance from direct solar incidence.

An infinity-edge pool is prominently featured in front of the ‘U’ configuration, bordering a glass facade of the living area and providing residents with unobstructed views of the valley. This elevated placement ensures privacy for outdoor leisure activities, which include a beach area, sauna, and a six-person SPA.

Contexto

The ground floor of MSA House is characterized by a light and open ambiance, enhanced by the use of glass elements that promote visual permeability between spaces. This level houses the main living area, divided into a dining room, a living room with comfortable seating, and a fireplace area with double-height ceilings. The kitchen is designed with a central island and sliding doors, allowing for flexible integration with the social and gourmet zones. A guest bathroom, TV room, and an office, visually connected to a winter garden enclosed in glass, are also located on this floor. An elevator provides access to the underground garage, while a staircase crafted from cumaru wood leads to the private quarters.

The upper floor is dedicated to the private areas, comprising six bedrooms, including two master suites. The primary master suite is situated at the smaller end of the ‘U’ and features external cladding in slatted wood, offering privacy and concealing a side window. This suite includes a private bathroom that can visually connect with the bedroom through glass frames. The son’s suite, located on the opposite side and separated from the social areas, benefits from a spacious balcony with a hot tub and outdoor lounge, created by utilizing the roof of the sauna block. This area is ideal for entertaining guests.

The interior lighting project for MSA House employs minimalist fixtures and moldings to maintain a clean and light aesthetic, with light intensity tailored to each space. Outdoors, the lighting design accentuates landscape features, such as the palm trees surrounding the property.

Key facts
| Feature | Detail |
|——————-|———————————————————————-|
| Project Name | MSA House |
| Location | Terras de São José II condominium, São Paulo countryside, Brazil |
| Architecture Firm | Raiz Arquitetura |
| Layout | ‘U’-shaped |
| Key Features | Infinity pool, valley views, natural ventilation, thermal comfort |

The design of MSA House exemplifies how architectural planning can harmoniously integrate a building with its natural environment. By thoughtfully responding to the site’s slope and climate, Raiz Arquitetura has created a residence that prioritizes privacy, thermal comfort, and a deep connection with the surrounding landscape, offering valuable insights for contemporary residential design focused on site-specific solutions.

Source: Amazing Architecture – https://amazingarchitecture.com/houses/brazilian-countryside-house-takes-advantage-of-slope-to-enhance-privacy-and-thermal-comfort

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