Rational elegance in Sao Paulo

On the outside, a volume of exposed concrete. On the inside, exceptionally large spaces characterised by rational elegance. We're in Araçoiaba da Serra, in the state of Sao Paulo in Brazil, in a private home located in the prestigious “Lago Azul Residenziale e Golf Club” residential complex designed by the F:POLES architecture studio in collaboration with our partner, Habitat Naturale.

This project is the result of an ongoing dialogue with the owners, a family with three children, who wanted a home in which aesthetics and comfort were balanced and where they could feel free to invite guests and friends. That's why they wanted large, generous spaces that favour conviviality.

Rational elegance in Sao Paulo with F:POLES architecture studio — *^{Photo credit:}*^{Rui Antunes @oruiantunes}

The house meets the eye as a very stunning, rigorous and minimalist volume. Notwithstanding its monolithic appearance, the details of the building and the choice of materials convey a feeling of visual lightness and make it fit harmoniously into its surroundings.

This project's greatest challenge – as narrated by the architects of the F:POLES studio – was to enclose all the rooms inside a single, large block, trying not to divide it up too much yet removing anything unnecessary from the volumes. By opening up spaces, the rooms become connected to each other in such a way as to greatly favour family life. As well as conveying an open-space feeling, this layout lets natural light come in through the large windows and flow freely to the various rooms. Although this house is very big, everything is extremely functional and each space is tailored to the needs of the owners.

Another distinctive feature of the project created by the F:POLES architecture studio is research into materials. The neutral essence of the exposed concrete is counterbalanced by wood and stone, achieving aesthetic and functional harmony.

Thanks to the full-height, sliding doors, the kitchen directly overlooks the covered portico and the outdoor swimming pool on the terrace.

Well-defined volumes and work islands distinguish the arrangement designed by Habitat Naturale. A clever mix of materials makes it really precious: glass, stone and steel communicate with each other, in line with the principle of the harmony of differences that has always inspired Valcucine.

Valcucine's iconic material, i.e. glass – chosen in the matt Chocolate and Cement colours – infuses the room with warmth and softness. The pursuit of a textural effect is also expressed by the use of stone.

An additional important element in this project is the large island that overlooks the living room area and is open to conviviality. The stainless steel that covers the floor-level, H18 equipped back section, brings to mind images of professional kitchens that have a strong preference for this metal because of its resistance to stains and impact, and for its durability and hygiene.

The kitchen features a New Logica Special Element, i.e.the back panel with “magical doors”. The large top door with its lift up and over mechanism, and the bottom door that slides downwards, gently open and close to reveal and hide – when needed – all the equipment in the kitchen. This patented unit can be configured as required and can even house a cooker hood.

With its Special Elements, Valcucine redesigns space and the way it is used to offer the greatest freedom of movement in the kitchen. As well as offering a new kitchen experience, the moving mechanisms of our Special Elements create evocative backdrops that can astound guests. Ergonomics and wellness conquer new frontiers and contribute to making everyday life extraordinary.

A set of tower units in Angel Skin complete the kitchen; this innovative material gives surfaces a soft and velvety feel that is extremely pleasant to touch.