Contemporary House With A Folding Wood Facade And Interior Garden
When the site and the surroundings allow it, architects and interior designs try as much as possible to establish a smooth dialogue between the internal and external spaces and to expose the interior to the views and the beauty of the outdoors. The strategies they use differ every time, depending on the unique conditions on the site as well as the layout and design of the building or space.
The MCNY House is a private residence located in Franca, Sao Paulo. It was completed in 2016 by mf+arquitectos, a studio established in 2009 but which only recently adopted the current name in the current form. They take on a variety of projects which vary from residential to industrial and also commercial. The team is an adept of the idea of integrating the interior with the exterior and also of impregnating a space with the charm and uniqueness of the materials used in its design.
The entire structure sits on an area of 516 square meters and is defined by simple lines and volumes. The materials used throughout include wood, concrete, stone as well as Corten steel. Together, they become an expression of Brasilian modernism.
In order to establish the strong and seamless connection between the internal and external spaces, the architects wrapped the house in a series of folding wooden panels which act like shutters. They can be closed off for better insulation or increased privacy and can also be opened up exposing the internal spaces to the garden, the pool and the rest of the outdoor areas.
All the rooms feature this type of folding shell exterior. The panels are an added layer that forms the exterior facade of the building and offers it a cohesive and harmonious look both as a standalone structure as well as in relation to its surroundings.
The main social spaces are the living room and dining area. They share the same space and they’re characterized by wooden flooring, a wooden accent wall that matches the flexible facade panels and a series of full-height glass windows that reveal an adjacent interior garden with lush vegetation and a perforated roof section that lets light filter in.
There’s a second social area which formed of a bar and dining table with classic chairs. It has exposed brick walls, a wooden ceiling, tiled floor and a ceiling-mounted fireplace that creates a really inviting ambiance.