studio MK27 tops 'planar house' in brazil with an expansive green roof

in porto feliz, a municipality in the brazilian state of são paulo, studio MK27 has completed a dwelling that the practice describes as ‘a radical exercise in horizontality’.

in porto feliz, a municipality in the brazilian state of são paulo, studio MK27 has completed a dwelling that the practice describes as ‘a radical exercise in horizontality’. appropriately named ‘planar house’, the residence is discreetly inserted at the plot’s highest point and topped with a green roof that mimics the surrounding lawn. referring to the roof as the building’s fifth façade, the architects also carefully integrated solar panels and skylights within the canopy.

‘structurally, the slab is a rigid platform that is not supported by beams but directly by the pillars, which are distributed modularly in three axes,’ explains studio MK27. ‘the cross-shaped metallic pillars are homage to the elegant proportions of miesian architecture.’ beneath the roof there are two programmatic boxes: the first contains service areas, a gym, TV and playrooms, while the second houses five en-suite bedrooms.

living rooms, which can be completely opened or closed by sliding glass doors, are located at each end of the property. with the doors open, the house is transformed into a generously proportioned terrace surrounded by nature. the interiors comprise low and solid wood furniture, while the layout of the home leaves enough space for free circulation. on the terrace, a hanging multi-colored club-chair becomes the focus of attention, contrasting with the horizontality of the dwelling.

another visual juxtaposition is provided by a vertical winding wall made of solid bricks arranged in solids and voids. ‘the wall, which is usually a symbol of division and isolation, in this project, is at times concave and at others convex, embracing the entrance garden and creating transparencies as well as offering protection from the street,’ say the architects. ‘its brick texture contributes to a cozy atmosphere and creates light filters with kinetic effects as the day passes.’