Home Design Ideas For Modern Living

Home Architecture

Small Modern House Takes Advantage Of Uneven Topography And A Special Backyard

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.
Learn more about Homedit's Editorial Process
| Published on

Every architecture project has to overcome challenges and to deal with all sorts of restrictions, whether it’s an uneven and difficult topography, a small footprint, a lack of resources or something else. In the case of the RG House which is located in Pato Branco, Brazil, the biggest restriction was the fact that the site was partially comprised of an environmentally-protected area.

The extended top floor is slightly elevated off the ground and appears to be floating

The extended top floor is slightly elevated off the ground and appears to be floatingThis section now makes up the backyard, with the house occupying the other side of the lot. The house was designed and built by studio Michel Macedo Arquitetos. it offers a total of 191 square meters of living space and was completed in 2016.

All the social areas are situated on the ground floor and have a strong connection to the outdoors
All the social areas are situated on the ground floor and have a strong connection to the outdoors
The private functions are clustered at the top and they too enjoy a good relationship with the outdoors
The private functions are clustered at the top and they too enjoy a good relationship with the outdoors
As the sliding glass doors open up, the living room becomes immersed into the landscape
As the sliding glass doors open up, the living room becomes immersed into the landscape
The interior design is based on many simple materials such as wood and exposed concrete
The interior design is based on many simple materials such as wood and exposed concrete

Another challenge which the architects had to deal with was the uneven topography which eventually inspired them to give the house a small ground floor with glazed walls and to extend the upper floor towards the backyard. This type of organization placed the social and service areas below where the glass walls seamlessly connect them to the outdoors, allow lots of sunlight to enter the rooms and also frame some beautiful views. The private areas are placed at the top and are more closed off compared to the ground floor. This gives the house a lightweight appearance and helps it maintain a simple and pure aesthetic. The interior design is simple too, with subway kitchen tiles giving the social area a classic vibe and warm and neutral colors making the upper level feel extra welcoming.

The ground floor has an open floor plan which extends onto a wooden deck that wraps around it
The ground floor has an open floor plan which extends onto a wooden deck that wraps around it
The uneven topography provides some really beautiful views which can be enjoyed from both floors
The uneven topography provides some really beautiful views which can be enjoyed from both floors
The kitchen is framed by white walls which make it look like its own separate nook
The kitchen is framed by white walls which make it look like its own separate nook
The upper floor has a large footprint than the lower level and gives the house a sculptural appearance
The upper floor has a large footprint than the lower level and gives the house a sculptural appearance