step inside 'blue house' in sao paulo by studio MK27

2022-08-01 00:07:05 By : Mr. Andy Chia

‘Casa Azul’ perfectly exemplifies how to build among lush and protected nature without damaging it. The nestled  dwelling by Studio MK27 is located in Guarujá, a coastal region in  São Paulo , just 500 meters from Iporanga Beach. As it’s an environmentally protected area, the architects had to adhere to strict parameters; they began by defining a two-meter offset from the house to keep the rest of the land untouched.

Once the perimeter was set, the studio decided to raise the house on pilotis, revealing an elevated 15 x 8 m structure shading the main social and leisure areas of ‘Casa Azul’ on the ground floor. 

all images © André Scarpa

This wooden deck, slightly raised from the ground to protect the pavement from moisture, blends in with the surrounding vegetation, sinuously extending beyond the building’s projection. Its abstract geometry, a tribute to the work of landscape architect Roberto Burle-Marx, intentionally contrasts with the rectangular volume that defines ‘Casa Azul’ above — making it possible to bring the vegetation either closer or further away, alternating the forms of interaction with the landscape.

The pool, partially protected by the deck, stands between the deck and surrounding greenery, giving way to Rodrigo Oliveira’s calming landscape design. By surpassing the built periphery, the pool allows more direct interaction with the forestscape that extends towards the sea. Perpendicular to the wooden roofing, a rustic stone wall separates the leisure spot from the service areas and complements the ground floor pillars.

Studio MK27 built ‘Casa Azul’ in an environmentally protected area of São Paulo

Regarding spatial distribution, Studio MK27 (see more  here ) stacked two mismatched concrete volumes seemingly floating amidst the treetops. The first box integrates the living and dining areas while capturing the lush context and a glimpse of the sea with its glazed sides; when opened, these glass panes turn the room into a large veranda.

The second-floor, or second concrete box, houses four rooms immersed in the treetops. Its longitudinal facades, clad with wooden muxarabis, gently filter daylight while its wooden frames, fixed furniture, and decoration pieces, with natural textures and colors, bring the outdoors in. Moreover, both concrete volumes lend their tone to the floor tiles and stone countertops; on the ground floor, the wide shard flooring leading to the entrance gradually breaks down and blends in with the Brazilian flora.

the wooden deck extends towards the lush landscape

Overall, the materiality and energy at ‘Casa Azul’ is simple and discreet. ‘ The architecture lands smoothly on the ground, and the volumes open to the surroundings, diluting their presence. The game between the full and the empty makes the whole set light, and the house takes off. It is an architecture of naturalist modernism that emphasizes the vitality of the surrounding environment, making it part of the house,’  concludes Studio MK27. 

once open, the glazed facades on level 1 transform the living area into one large veranda

view of the ground floor with the swimming pool

sofa: Life by Entreposto | coffee table: Studio MK27 | bench: Mucki by Sérgio Rodrigues

bedroom with wooden muxarabis to filter daylight

armchair: Xangai by Amazonia Móveis | rug by Phenicia 

location: Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil start date: August 2015 completion year: 2020 site area: 1,200 sqm built area: 400 sqm architecture: Studio MK27 lead architect: Marcio Kogan co-architect: Samanta Cafardo interior design: Diana Radomysler project team: Mariana Ruzante, Oswaldo Pessano, Ricardo Ariza communication team: Carlos Costa, Mariana Simas, Nathalia Lima contracting: Lock Engenharia structural engineering: Inner Engenharia MEP engineering: DLameza Engenharia automation: Gilberto Floriano landscape design: Rodrigo Oliveira photography: André Scarpa | @scarpa_andre

— material supply — 

aluminum window frames: Kiko Esquadrias

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