CASA ROYAL – A Dialogue Between Concrete, Light, and Terrain
The defining feature of Casa Royal from Fernanda Padula Architecture, is the cantilevered concrete volume that lightly touches the sloped terrain, creating the impression of a suspended pavilion hovering above the landscape.
This structural gesture not only preserves the natural topography but also reinforces the raw, expressive aesthetic of the project, where the exposed concrete is left deliberately unfinished to celebrate texture, formwork marks, and the honesty of construction.
Complementing the weight of the concrete, the façade wrapped in hollow terracotta bricks acts as a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Brazilian cobogó. This permeable skin protects the private areas from direct sunlight, filters natural ventilation, and casts a constantly shifting pattern of shadows across the interiors. By day, it works as a breathable shield; by night, the volume becomes a warm lantern, glowing gently through the lattice.
The material language maintains the same authenticity. The bare concrete walls, visible conduits, and large industrial-style openings frame a home that feels both grounded and airy. Soft furnishings, artwork, and natural light balance the brutalist shell, creating a harmonious interior that blurs the boundary between strength and comfort.
The kitchen combines raw concrete, warm wood cabinetry, and a sleek black countertop to create a minimalist yet inviting workspace that seamlessly opens to the outdoors.
Photography: Carolina Mossin