C House | Studio Arthur Casas

Casa C is located in the central part of São Paulo, in one of the rare neighborhoods

where it is forbidden to build high rises. The plot is narrow and deep, which renders

the task of making a project with open-air spaces and gardens more difficult. Retreats

are short and, in order to meet the client’s demands for a house where he could feel

nature, we had to rethink the distribution of the program.

All service areas where displaced to the basement, thus liberating space for common

areas in the ground floor. The sidewalls were covered with stone and a linear garden

blurs visual limits, creating depth. The feeling of being outside in the common areas is

enhanced by large structural spans and sliding glass doors. Living room, dining room

and kitchen are continuous, receiving natural illumination from the garden and the

zenithal opening along the side wall.

Stairs are made of floating wooden steps suspended by steel cables above the entrance

corridor, in a straight line connecting all three floors. In the first floor there are three

bedrooms and a home theater. Panels made of wood laths offer visual protection from

nearby houses, preserving natural light and ventilation.

What makes this house exceptional is its rooftop. Located next to tree canopies, it is

covered by a garden with areas for resting and leisure, with an interesting view of São

Paulo’s skyline. An oasis amidst urban chaos, the garden has a water basin and creates

a generous atmosphere for the family with a landscape design that preserves privacy.

The fifth facade becomes a small plaza floating in the city.