Concrete And Stone House With A Camouflaged Front Door

When they first started work on this project, studio Beatriz Empinotti Arquitetura was given total freedom by their clients. They were asked to design a house that makes the best use of the terrain. The clients’ only requirements were privacy from the street view and a large back garden. The architects completed the project in 2018 and the result was this amazing 280 square foot house located in Curitiba, Brazil.

The front door is expertly hidden within a timber wall section
The front door is expertly hidden within a timber wall section

Let’s see how it all turned out. At first sight, the house has a contemporary and sculptural vibe. It’s structured into two main volumes which are overlapping and have contrasting designs. One is the ground floor area which is clad in natural stone and the other is the upper floor which is cast in concrete.

The two volumes are slightly offset and the one on top is larger and cantilevered on one side
The two volumes are slightly offset and the one on top is larger and cantilevered on one side
The rear section of the house opens onto a stone and wood deck and a generous garden
The rear section of the house opens onto a stone and wood deck and a generous garden

A stone pathway runs through the front yard and leads to the front door which is skillfully camouflaged in the timber slat wall. The only thing that gives away its placement is the door handle. This wooden wall section is framed by stone-clad walls on either side. The concrete volume on top cantilevers to the left, creating a covered area with a walkway running through it. Inside, the layout is designed to reflect the owners’ lifestyle and is thus focused around the social areas. There’s a laid-back, relaxed ambiance throughout the entire house. The living room, kitchen, dining area and home theater room are clustered together on one side of the ground floor with the guest room and service area positioned separately and with independent access to the garden. The color palette used inside the house is quite unexpected, including primary colors combined with concrete, stone and black and white accents.

If not for the large door handle, the entrance would remain completely camouflaged
If not for the large door handle, the entrance would remain completely camouflaged
The garden-facing upper volume is also covered in thin wooden slats and match the front door area
The garden-facing upper volume is also covered in thin wooden slats and match the front door area
The social area are clustered on the ground floor and are seamlessly interconnected
The social area are clustered on the ground floor and are seamlessly interconnected
The kitchen island extends into a large dining table which is ideal for entertaining large groups
The kitchen island extends into a large dining table which is ideal for entertaining large groups
The living room is really cozy and inviting and has a blue area rug and a wooden rocking chair
The living room is really cozy and inviting and has a blue area rug and a wooden rocking chair
The backyard terrace has a pergola-inspired roof and serves as an extension for the indoor living spaces
The backyard terrace has a pergola-inspired roof and serves as an extension for the indoor living spaces
Large mirrors give the bathroom is bright and airy look
Large mirrors give the bathroom is bright and airy look
The minimalist, contemporary interior design is complemented by primary colors in bold nuances
The minimalist, contemporary interior design is complemented by primary colors in bold nuances
The floating staircase which connects the two floors has a very sleek and unobtrusive design
The floating staircase which connects the two floors has a very sleek and unobtrusive design
The vivid pops of color add an unexpected and exciting twist to the interior design of this contemporary house
The vivid pops of color add an unexpected and exciting twist to the interior design of this contemporary house