F+M House | Flavio Castro

The house is composed by two elements. A concrete cube and a wooden prism. From this, all spatiality is defined and organized. Strategic openings were made in the concrete box so the sunlight could enter. At the same time, from these same openings, the residents can observe a very bucolic surrounding. This artifice frames the landscape and makes it part of the project. We take into account the sunshine and the beautiful views to make the openings in the northwestern facade, as well the cross ventilation between the front and back facades. All contribute to sustainability of the proposed architecture, in addition to heating the water through solar energy. A reservoir located on the roof stores and distributes hot water to whole house through pipes. Strategic openings in facades and roof are makes the use of artificial light during the day, not necessary. On the ground floor, the left half is occupied by the service and the kitchen, which is open to the other half of double-height social area, completely open to the front and back facades. Upstairs, the four suites are accessed by an intimate room immediately above the kitchen, which establishes a direct relationship with the double-height social area. The characteristics of the materials used as chromaticism, texture and transparency were carefully chosen because of the intentions pursued in each space. While the transparence integrates, the concrete do the oposite. The walls and slab concrete structures the spaces, while the large glass doors bring the landscape into the house. The higher volume, identified by a specific function (bedrooms), is covered by wood, giving warmth to spaces in counterpoint to the coldness of concrete and glass. The materials are sincere. The concrete, glass, wood and steel are shown in essence, undisguised. The floors and walls receive the same finishes inside and outside the house, which contributes to weakening the boundary between inside and outside. The spaces are interconnected and constantly, for several common pathways inside the house, the dialectic between "seeing" and "being seen" takes place, making it clear that it is a contemporary design. The construction method is standard in the area, designed from reinforced concrete and only a few metal pillars.