BCMF + MACH architects interweaves bar-pool-gallery on brazilian hilltop

BCMF + MACH architects interweaves bar-pool-gallery on brazilian hilltop
image © gabriel castro

referencing a hilltop belvedere, the ‘bar-pool-gallery’ for casa cor MG 2014 is –as the name suggests– a combination of a bar, a gallery and an infinity pool. located in brazil, 12km from the city of belo horizonte, the scheme was designed by firms BCMF and MACH architects, where both practices collaborated on developing the connecting open-area. minimalistic in form, the complex is made up of two concrete structure sharing a common open area.

the raised outdoor patio
image © gabriel castro

cantilevering over the hill-edge, the horizontal volume containing the bar protrudes out towards the landscape. working against the steep topography, this makes more space for the pool and deck which unfolds on the roof- with the gallery underneath. internally, the sequence of spaces are arranged with the entry porch on one end, the main bar at the heart and finished off with a veranda that frames sweeping views of the green scenery.

a characteristic detail of the interior is the ceiling made with a ribbed, pre-cast slab. the grid-like pattern functions as a series of “pixilated” openings to gently flood the bar with natural light, meanwhile the floor is treated with the same material as the swimming pool’s giving it consistency. instilling a relaxed atmosphere, the space by locally-based designer ana bahia is furnished with simple muted pieces and finished with delicate lighting fixtures.  

the bar that is connected to the outdoor porch
image © gabriel castro

the ceiling is made with a ribbed, pre-cast slab and the outdoor veranda frames views of the dramatic scenery
image © gabriel castro

image © gabriel castro

caption
image © gabriel castro

partially buried beneath, this allows for the gallery to present views of the outdoors from either side
image © gabriel castro

two raw concrete boxes form the gallery building: one formed by the floor slab and walls, and the other by the roof slab and beams. steel columns allow a horizontal gap between the two volumes, bringing a beam of light into the interior, with added views from the swimming pool. the access ramps and stairs work with the landscape, hiding away and capturing glimpses of the surroundings as you approach the sunken space, culminating an opening that frames the view in a way similar to the bar’s.

the cantilevered concrete volume containing the bar
image © gabriel castro

the bar protrudes ten meters off the top
image © gabriel castro

image © gabriel castro

a decking and outdoor porch connects the areas together
image © gabriel castro

the bar-pool-gallery in the evening
image © jomar braganaa