The Carapicuiba House was designed by Angelo Bucci and Alvaro Puntoni. With a name that describes the location of the building—Carapicuiba, Brazil—the house has both an interesting layout and an unusual topography. Looking at the 4,4844 square foot (450 square meters) house from the street, the ground level is hidden to the eyes. The ground falls abruptly to reveal another platform, 6 meters below. This is where the main living spaces are situated. Because of the inhabitant’s need to incorporate spaces for an office, the residence was divided into living spaces and business accommodations. The street level incorporates two different areas, connected by a steel bridge: one that lies on the ground and one that lies on top of the lower levels of the building, acting like a roof terrace.

The house is divided into two levels, both below the street level. Its spaces are integrated with the woods, valley, gardens, and pool located at the ground level. The house incorporates the outside nature indoors: a sliding glass door opens the living room into the terrace, creating one large space. The bedroom and the patios can also be integrated at the lower level. From the street level, the office is located upstairs. Its dimensions, 3 m wide and 25 m long making it look like a tube open at both extremities. Therefore, the windows offer new views: more landscape than patios, and more panoramic than an intimate space.

The “tube” only rests over two columns. Reinforced concrete supports the whole building. Besides its materials, concrete and glass, this house is essentially designed based on the site’s geography and landscape. So few elements mean more concentration on the required work during its construction process. It makes it easier to control the budget and it helps to focus on the necessary steps to build the house. Via

Photos: Nelson Kon