Modern White House With Perforated Shutters Across Its Facade

Privacy is very important for every type of home, whether it’s a house, an apartment or something else. Architects and homeowners rely on a variety of different strategies to deal with this factor. One of the most interesting and ingenious solutions we came across is a system of custom-made shutters across the facade of a residence designed by studio Arquitetura Nacional.

The house occupies a corner lot next to a lake in Xangri-La, in southern Brazil. It consists of an L-shaped base structure and a large cantilevered volume on top of it. The upper volume’s perforated facade consists of a series of panels made of 390 modules measuring 80 x 80 cm each. They’re made of white cement and fiberglass and have cylindrical openings in them which filter the natural light and ensure the privacy of the spaces inside. Sections of these panels function as pivoting shutters which can be opened and closed using a lever.

The perforated shutters have a pivoting system which allows them to open and close in tandem
The perforated shutters have a pivoting system which allows them to open and close in tandem
When closed, the shutters create a flat and eye-catching front facade
When closed, the shutters create a flat and eye-catching front facade
The underside of the upper volume is covered in thin wooden slats
The underside of the upper volume is covered in thin wooden slats

Like any typical beach house, Casa Ventura has a generous social area on the ground floor. The living room features a beautiful fireplace integrated into a wooden cabinet, with an elegant black and white stone surround. The kitchen is bright and spacious, with big windows, lots of counter space and a big storage unit made of metal and with translucent glass doors. On the same level there’s also a sunken lounge room with big windows, white curtains and comfortable seating.

The cantilevered top floor extends over the outdoor lounge area
The cantilevered top floor extends over the outdoor lounge area
The kitchen is all white with metal accents and an earthy brown floor
The kitchen is all white with metal accents and an earthy brown floor
The sunken media room is a very cozy and airy space thanks to the large windows
The sunken media room is a very cozy and airy space thanks to the large windows

The top floor houses 4 bedroom suites, each with a small private balcony concealed behind the pivoting shutters. There’s also a massage room, a TV room and a terrace. The cantilevered top volume also extends over an outdoor sitting and dining area adjacent to an L-shaped swimming pool and a patio. This configuration helps the indoor and outdoor spaces to merge together seamlessly.

On the upper floor there's a covered terrace with a hot tub concealed behind the pivoting shutters
On the upper floor there’s a covered terrace with a hot tub concealed behind the pivoting shutters
Each of the four bedrooms on the top level has its own little balcony
Each of the four bedrooms on the top level has its own little balcony
The perforated shutters are fully visible from inside and they help to diffuse the natural light
The perforated shutters are fully visible from inside and they help to diffuse the natural light
The bathrooms have bright and subdued designs with elegant marble accents and glass partitions
The bathrooms have bright and subdued designs with elegant marble accents and glass partitions
The hot tub room has a spa-like feel and enjoys lots of privacy thanks to the shutter wall
The hot tub room has a spa-like feel and enjoys lots of privacy thanks to the shutter wall
The L-shaped swimming pool wraps around the covered patio which serves as an extension of the indoor living area
The L-shaped swimming pool wraps around the covered patio which serves as an extension of the indoor living area
The living room and dining area have a panoramic view of the lush garden
The living room and dining area have a panoramic view of the lush garden
A combination of rocks and greenery create a natural and organic-looking border around the site
A combination of rocks and greenery create a natural and organic-looking border around the site
The repetitive pattern created by the cylindrical openings give the house a contemporary and eye-catching look
The repetitive pattern created by the cylindrical openings give the house a contemporary and eye-catching look