Tropical Brazilian Retreat Takes Simple Materials To A New Level
The tropical Sao Sebastiao in Brazil has its own White House. We’re talking about this beautiful private residence built here by Studio MK27 in collaboration with Eduardo Chalabi. The studio creates luxurious projects since the 80s and is currently comprised of a team of 28 architects who work with various collaborators to make their clients’ dreams become reality. Their constant goal is to find new ways to exploit simplicity and to make the most of the surroundings.
The White House was completed in 2014 and is situated on a beautiful plot on the Northern coast of Sao Paulo, surrounded by lush vegetation. The tropical location and the site’s proximity to the beach offer numerous advantages such as the extraordinary views.
At the same time, the tropical location raises a series of problems. The architects had to take the location and the conditions on the site into consideration when planning the orientation and organization of the floor plan as well as when choosing the materials to be used throughout.
The studio decided on a combination of wood, concrete and white aluminum, materials which are able to withstand the effects of the sea air and which also allowed the architects and designers to materialize their vision of tropical minimalism combined with Brazilian modernism.
All the social spaces are situated on the ground floor. Full height glass walls eliminate the visual barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces, connecting the zones and exposing the living spaces to the lush gardens and views of the sea.
Sliding glass doors open the interior spaces to the outdoors, connecting them to a terrace protected by the cantilevering building. Out here an outdoor lounge space and al fresco dining space were organized. The terrace then extends and forms the poolside area with its built-in outdoor Jacuzzi.
In addition to the glass barriers, the social areas are also connected to the exterior through a series of perforated wood walls. These pivoting walls offer shade without blocking the breeze and can even be opened to reveal the beauty of the garden.
The living room, kitchen and dining area share the same floor plan. They’re all very bright and open spaces, characterized by simplicity and modern elegance. The dining space is a fresh and airy space, defined by a combination of white, light gray, wood and neutral accents. The pendant lights hanging above the table coordinate with the perforated walls.
The living area is characterized by earthy neutrals and sculptural accents. A set of suspended stairs seem to just disappear into the ceiling just above the sofa. Their clean lines and angles are complemented by smooth curves featured by the oval coffee table and the rounded accent chair and side table.
The kitchen is a separate space. A textured gray accent wall coordinates with a matching floor, white ceiling and solid wood doors. A large island sits at the center of the room, adding a warm touch of color to the space.
A glass wall separates this space from a side garden but at the same time offers it abundant natural light needed for the fresh and bright ambiance characteristic to modern interiors.
The upper level is where the bedrooms are situated. It’s a private zone which continues the light, modern and balanced design direction featured by the social areas. Both the bedrooms and their bathrooms have warm and inviting décors thanks to the wooden floors and overall simple and sophisticated design details.
There’s also a third level. It’s actually the roof. Up here a terrace with a green garden offer inhabitants the opportunity to admire the magnificent views without any interruptions.
Access to the roof terrace is through a set of stairs that lead up to an opening in the ceiling.