B+B House

The arrival at Casa B+B – access to the social area – is via an architectural route, through an open ramp located on the eastern side of the building. This space is laterally protected by perforated concrete elements that create surprising light effects and ultimately serve as protection against inclement weather.

It is an interstitial space between the protected interior of the building and the open garden. The long, gentle ramp extends this transition between the interior and exterior, creating a present sensation of a change of environment. This solution was widely used by Brazilian modernism, which enshrined the radical use of ramps as a form of vertical circulation by reaffirming Corbusian precepts on the architectural promenade. There is, intentionally, an ambiguity about the character of this space: internal or external?

The reference to modernism is also in the use of perforated elements, which became popular in Brazil from the 1930s onwards as a solution to be reproduced on a large scale, very suitable for the tropical climate as it allows for shading without blocking the cool breeze.

The social area of ​​the house creates a feeling of warmth and comfort in an open space, without any structural interference for the organization of the furniture layout. A 3.5m sliding door allows the kitchen to be fully integrated into the dining room space. The food preparation counter is located in front of a window overlooking the ramp, receiving built-in light, filtered by the perforated elements. Thus, the kitchen becomes a bright and pleasant space to stay in.

Unlike usual, the bedrooms are on the first floor – in direct relation to the garden – and can also be accessed internally via a staircase connected to the upper living room. Wooden elements on the facade of this floor allow for internal sun control, and thus excellent thermal performance.

The use of raw materials, such as exposed concrete and wood, gives the residence a living aspect, constantly transforming over time. The architecture of Casa B+B thus sought to create a cozy, welcoming space, an intimate house for both the daily life of the residents and for receptions with friends in small social gatherings.

Team: Fernanda Neiva, Marcio Kogan, Renata Furlanetto (Authors), Diana Radomysler and Fernanda Neiva (Interiors), Julia Pinheiro Ribeiro (Team)

Photos: Fernando Guerra