jacobsen arquitetura plans the FL house as slender transparent volume in brazil

located in bragança paulista, brazil, the FL house by jacobsen arquitetura is built as a long, slender volume with wide and slim edges forming generous balconies, completely open and transparent. the residence comprises two levels: a lower floor camouflaged by lopes with vegetation and stone walls, where the garage, technical areas and employees are located; and the main floor, which occupies the entire width of the land and encloses the social areas and bedrooms.

all images by FG+SG, courtesy of jacobsen arquitetura

jacobsen arquitetura has based the design of the FL house on a study of the terrain, where the architects identified two striking visuals: the rear of the property, with a beautiful forest landscape; and the front of the lot, which offers an ample view of the setting sun with a field of orange trees in the background. the slender volume of the residence extends parallel to the main road, while its main floor has been raised from the ground to take advantage of the surrounding views, and ‘conceal’ a lower floor beneath it.

the two stories are connected through a broad staircase with a slight slope, in which the steps turn into planters and natural light penetrates through an opening in the ceiling, that has the same dimensions as the staircase. materials throughout the house are limited but carefully selected, and include south american walnut (freijó), for the roofing lining; stone wood for walls and slopes; charred wood for moveable panels and semi-polished granite for the floor.

the center of the main level encloses the living room, dining room and verandas, open to both sides and integrated through a high ceiling and four-meter-long eaves. the stone floor covering the rooms extends outside, forming the terrace and swimming pool, surrounded by forest trees that have been protected, ensuring a quiet and private garden. the home theater, the kitchen, the gourmet area and a pool changing room have been placed to the right of the rooms, offset by a large stone wall that borders the side of the house. on the opposite side, the six en-suites, three in the house next to the main block, were slightly suspended to the height of the garden, making the volume lighter and also generating cozier internal heights.