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Sculptural House With A Gorgeous Staircase Framed by A Curved Glass Wall

By Simona Ganea
Simona Ganea on Homedit
Simona Ganea Interior Design & Content Contributor
Simona is an interior design and décor writer for Homedit. Since 2011, she has been writing about interior design, DIY solutions, and the latest trends in home architecture.
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Every home has a main focal point and that role can be fulfilled by a variety of different elements. In the case of this beautiful single-family house from Porto Alegre, Brazil the focal point of the entire project is the spiral staircase. The house was designed and built by studio Arquitetura Nacional over the course of several years and was completed in 2019. The owners transitioned from an apartment to a house and were excited about having more space available overall and especially about enjoying the beautiful outdoors. The architects made sure to maximize and to emphasize the connection between the interior and exterior spaces and between the building and its natural surroundings in general.

The exterior of the house is a simple and elegant combination of exposed concrete and black wood
The exterior of the house is a simple and elegant combination of exposed concrete and black wood
The spiral staircase connecting the two floors has an organic-looking shape in tone with the main palette of materials
The spiral staircase connecting the two floors has an organic-looking shape in tone with the main palette of materials
The wall framing the staircase curved around the corner and opens up this section of the house to the outdoors
The wall framing the staircase curved around the corner and opens up this section of the house to the outdoors

The spaces are organized on two floors. The ground floor which is the base of the house is clad in carbonized wood and the upper level is built out of concrete. They contrast with each other but they also complement each other and bring out the beauty in each of the materials and finishes used throughout the design. The ground floor is more complex and has a very interesting look. A major component is the magnificent concrete staircase which spirals up and is framed by a large curved wall made out of transparent glass. This curved glass wall softens the harsh clean lines of the house, lets in lots of natural sunlight and adds a sophisticated and sculptural look to this side of the building.

The upper floor has a large open terrace which connects the bedrooms
The upper floor has a large open terrace which connects the bedrooms
The lower and upper volumes are offset and create an asymmetrical and graphical composition
The lower and upper volumes are offset and create an asymmetrical and graphical composition
The ground floor living areas open onto the backyard and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view
The ground floor living areas open onto the backyard and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view
As the wall curves around the corner, it creates a small interior garden around the staircase
As the wall curves around the corner, it creates a small interior garden around the staircase
The black wood and the louvers add a sophisticated look to the house and go really well with the concrete
The black wood and the louvers add a sophisticated look to the house and go really well with the concrete
More greenery and accent lights are added around the exterior of the curved glass wall
More greenery and accent lights are added around the exterior of the curved glass wall
The concrete staircase has a graceful twisting design and is the main focal point of the entire building
The concrete staircase has a graceful twisting design and is the main focal point of the entire building
warm accent lights emphasize the simple and modern geometry of the house at night
warm accent lights emphasize the simple and modern geometry of the house at night
The main driveway leading to the entrance also curves to the left, similar to the glass wall
The main driveway leading to the entrance also curves to the left, similar to the glass wall

Photographs: Cristiano Bauce