Isay Weinfeld Arquitecto designed the Sumaré House, in Sao Paulo, Brazil for a graphic designer who desired a “spacious house, where she could work, exercise, entertain friends and, of course, live in.” The plot is not a small one 7,535 square feet (700 square meters), but due to height restriction laws, the building could not exceed 2 floors, thus an underground floor was needed for the caretaker’s quarters and the atelier. Both spaces open to a lawn so the feeling of being underground is forgotten. On the middle floor, a few steps above street level, a sitting and dinning room open to a larger lawn.

In the living room, a long étagère displays the owner’s collection, ranging from works of art to design and vintage objects. The home also includes a swimming pool and a dance floor for the designer to practice ballet routines, in addition to entertaining areas, two bedrooms and all other rooms suitable to a residence. For her private bedroom, the space is enclosed only by a screen of pre-cast concrete blocks, allowing the designer to see the city skyline in the distance. On the top level, a spacious wooden deck provides ample room for an outdoor entertaining area.

Photos: Nelson Kon