An Open Plan Brazilian House With Splendid Views

Constructed in 2012 and measuring in at 1200 square meters, this property designed by Fernanda Marques Arquitetos Associados captures the unique sense of feeling infinite.

The house was designed to evoke a feeling of continuous and permanent breadth. As the designer of both the architecture & interiors, Marques brought a contemporary feel to this three-story structure, which is now the home to a young couple and their children. It measures in at three floors, with ample terraces throughout the top floor. The landscape surrounding the property is stunning and it's positioned in a hill, giving a gorgeous view of the residential district on the fringe of São Paulo. On the inside, everything is broad and continuous, with a stunning open floor plan. The ground floor houses the most commonly used spaces, which include a living room, fireplace room, dining room, media room and breakfast room, the kitchen, and study. There's also a cloakroom, guest toilet and servants’ quarters. Just outside the ground floor, you'll find a large swimming pool on the front terrace.

The pool area, in keeping with the theme, takes on an infinity feel with breathtaking views. The use of sharp angles and clean lines in the exterior stonework is tempered by the soft curves of the surrounding mountains and lush vegetation. This is an area perfect for family entertaining.

On the inside, whimsical plays with contemporary as multiple styles layer throughout the space to create a pleasing ambiance.

“I tried to create a sort of internal topography, with the furniture laid out continuously, with small variations in height, almost at floor level”, explains the architect in ArchDaily.

When coupled with soaring ceilings, the furniture topography (as the designer artfully calls it) makes the space feel even larger, more open, and full of imagination. The living area, in particular, has its ceiling doubled with height.

Warm woods blend together with pops of color and sleek neutrals, making this living area feel lively but still serene. After all, this is a family home.

The tiered coffee tables in the center of the room are particularly striking. They showcase artifacts and precious treasures in primary colors.

Throughout the space Marques incorporated furnishings of her own creation, including stainless steel stools. International design labels are brought together to add a distinct flair. Every item in this interior’s design has been carefully curated and it shows – beautifully.

While the office is a smaller space, it is well organized with plenty of open shelving and ambient lighting without being harsh. It’s set away from the living areas as to lend a sense of solitude for concentration, but it’s still easily accessible and flows seamlessly through the rest of the ground floor design.

The upper floor reaches to the heavens, with family space for 3 bedroom suites and their balconies. A family room completes the third level. It’s a cozy and simple space with plenty of room for game playing, movie watching, and relaxing.

The stairs leading from the ground level to the upper level appear to float, lending an airy feel that keeps with the house’s overall openness. The hallway loft allows for views of both the surrounding landscape as well as the living areas below. Large windows, white walls and ceilings, and plenty of light make this space feel bright without being harsh.

“In this project natural daylight is present everywhere but never directly. There are very specific lighting situations, derived from the construction shape and project solutions”, Fernanda notes to ArchDaily. For example, to highlight the building façade, it’s outfitted with aluminium brise soleil in a continuous line.

Ample windows continue throughout the home, giving a feeling of seamless continuity between indoors and out, without sacrificing any comforts or style

In the bath, luxurious fixtures and plenty of vanity space ensures that it is both practical and beautiful. Recessed lighting, strategically placed mirrors and large windows make it feel even larger and more open, even though it’s traditionally a more private room. Privacy, too, is not compromised with lush greenery just outside the windows.

A bit of playfulness is incorporated throughout the home’s interior, with touches and pops of color and texture that keep the space from feeling sterile or cold. While breezy, it’s also anchored with natural warm woods, lush textiles, a blend of simple and ornate decor, and shocks of color that bring the world back into focus. It’s easy to feel like you’re floating here.

Even at night, the house is bright and airy, appearing to almost glow. One can easily imagine evenings spent drinking wine on the terrace while the lights of city twinkle in the distance.

Beyond its beauty, this space is also practical and ideal for family living. The lowest level includes a spacious garage, storage room, and a small workshop area.

Below, the floor plans clearly show the continuous and clean lines used throughout the interior and exterior. It’s quite the feat, creating a sense of limitless possibility and complete openness in a space like this. Marques does it beautifully.