The relationship between openness and privacy is the architectural issue tackled by FCstudio for the construction of the Bento House, a private residence built in the Jardim Paulista neighbourhood of São Paulo in Brazil.
The studio founded by architect Flavio Castro designed a compact metal volume resting on exposed cement walls. In this way, the building establishes two types of relationship with its surroundings: the upper floor can be completely closed to isolate the interior spaces visually and acoustically, but opens up at specific points to ensure lighting and ventilation; the ground floor, on the other hand, is designed in total continuity with the garden, with large openings and windows minimising the separation between indoors and outdoors.
The choice of materials goes in the direction of sincerity and follows the tradition of the great masters of Paulista Brutalism. Steel, wood and cement are left in their raw state, highlighting their natural wear and tear. The selection of furniture is also fundamental in determining the modern character of the project: we find the right mix of European and Brazilian products, chosen by the studio or designed directly by them, such as the Brasilia coffee table, the Ensamble dining table, the Box side table and the Move bench.
From the public street, the Bento House is introverted and discreet. The folded sheet metal of the upper floor and the gate create a visual barrier that once crossed reveals instead a green oasis in the middle of São Paulo’s urban fabric.
- Project:
- Bento House
- Architect:
- FCstudio
- Typology:
- family house
- Location:
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Area:
- 424 sqm
- Completion:
- 2022