Two concrete units, one at the top and one at the bottom, with opposite orientations and yet in perfect harmony – this is how we’d describe this wonderful residence from Vila Princesa, Brazil. The house was designed and built by studio Rmk! Arquitetura and offers a total of 456 square meters of living space. Completed in 2018, the house enjoys a strong bond with its surroundings, a relationship emphasized by the overall design and architecture in numerous ways.
View in galleryThe exposed concrete structure gives the house a subtly rugged appearanceView in galleryThe interior design is defined by a palette of natural materials and finishes, including stone and woodView in galleryThe living area can be seamlessly opened up onto the wooden deck and poolside areaView in galleryThe living room and dining area form a single open space with large windows and modern furniture
The ground floor is where the social areas are situated. These areas are framed by large glass walls complemented by natural stone surfaces which each connect them to the outdoors in a unique and special way. This marvelous integration with the exterior is also continued upstairs where the volume extends over the ground floor unit, forming a concrete box which cantilevers on both ends. Below, a porch and a carport are sheltered beneath the volumes. A wooden deck extends the social areas outside onto the pool area and sliding glass doors eliminate the physical barrier between these spaces.
View in galleryThe harsh nature of the exposed concrete is beautifully complemented by warm wood surfacesView in galleryThe relationship between the indoor and the outdoor is very strong and becomes a defining characteristic of the houseView in galleryThe cantilevered top floor forms a protective roof over the ground floor porch areaView in galleryThe poolside deck and the rest of the outdoor spaces give the house a tropical vibeView in galleryThe kitchen is almost entirely grey, with minimalist furniture and a beautiful wooden ceilingView in galleryThe two main volumes of the house benefit from great orientation which gives them wonderful viewsView in galleryA set of tall trees give the house a nice level of privacy without completely blocking the viewView in galleryThanks to the large windows and sliding glass doors, the indoor-outdoor transition is very seamlessView in galleryThe wooden staircase connecting the two floors has a minimalist design and appears to be floatingView in gallerySliding wooden panels can easily conceal the kitchen, separating it from the living areaView in galleryWhen the doors are open, the living room, kitchen and dining area become a single large volumeView in galleryThe selection of materials and finishes gives the spaces a slight industrial appearanceView in galleryOn one side of the cantilevered top floor there’s a carport neatly tucked under the concrete box