Me House by Otta Albernaz Arquitetura

Architects: Otta Albernaz Arquitetura
Location: Jambeiro, São Paulo, Brazil
Year: 2014
Area: 3,875 sqft
Photo courtesy: Eduardo Simabuguro Albernaz
Description:

The architecture, almost diluted in the landscape, is revealed gradually to prying eyes. Its private and discreet facade houses a lively and exciting interior. Trees create spaces, draw the shape, assist in the feedback of the project and protect the residents – they participate in life. The architecture is enveloped by the exuberance of this green, still undervalued heritage, often discarded by the false need for more space. Architecture and structure do not deny, they dialogue and harmonize. The rustic materials bring personal memories, warmth and peace to the clients, enhancing life in contact with nature.

Located 20 minutes from São José dos Campos – SP, the plot of 1.400m² uphill stood out especially for the architects due to the existence of several native trees that intertwine and provoke a sense of visual continuity with the protected environmental area at the back of the lot. Amid this bucolic landscape of rain forest is NM House, that sought to maximize the use of the qualities of nature and minimize the impact on it.

Designed for a childless couple concerned about the vertical city, the uncontrolled increase of traffic, visual, environmental and noise pollution, the family home was meant to renew the quality of life and facilitate interaction. The program grew out of the hobbies of both owners. For this reason, contact with plants was important, formalizing gardens all around the house which are cared by her personally, and for him, the country kitchen, working with family memories.

The starting point of the project was the tree that stood between the two access blocks.

The plan is designed in two pavilions perpendicular to each other in a contemporary and clean language, which allowed all of the environments to have views of the gardens outside favoring both cross ventilation and abundant natural lighting. Both visual and physical integration of the environments is achieved through large glass panels that make up the internal facades, allowing full view of the movement of the home. The facade to the street is formed by two symmetrical cubes that instigate curiosity without exposing the residents.

The roof, made of a single piece, was designed with a structure of thermo-acoustic metal tiles, allowing large spans with low inclination, with fiberglass wool filling to enhance thermal and acoustic inertia.

The selection of finishing materials followed the concept of practicality, warmth and visual unity. In the social area predominate ceramic finishes with a touch of exposed concrete, like the Portobello Shop flooring, Model Concretíssyma portland embossed line 60×120 – contrasting with the demolition bricks. The gourmet kitchen and grill were installed with ceramic tiles from the Retro River line, 20×20 also from Portobello Shop. The wood interiors – mixed cedar – in the kitchen area indicates the transition between blocks and accentuates the simplicity of the roof. In the private area hardwood flooring – darkened Guajuvira – brings warmth and calm. Each bathroom has been customized with special details in glass tiles and framing that has been carefully designed and detailed by the office to be functional and lightweight.