an ensemble of imposing blocks organized around a pool forms ibsen house in brazil

shared spaces successfully coexist with privacy in ibsen house

located in a residential area of são paulo, brazil, ibsen house offers shared moments between family and friends, fulfilling at the same time, the requirements of privacy. MFMM (matheus farah e manoel maia) arquitetura designed a functional and integrated plan, relying on resources that create possibilities for enjoying time together and guarantee discretion and zeal for intimacy.

with almost no fixed walls, and with great spans and imposing volumes, the set of blocks still manages to blend harmoniously with the neighborhood. huge vertical gardens and large sliding panels replace the traditional walls, and divide the spaces. the result is hybrid areas that serve as encounters scenarios and provide the tranquility of a home.images by fran parente

the volumes are assembled around the pool

despite the robust blocks, MFMM arquitetura sought to generate an ensemble of volumes that harmoniously coexist with the surroundings. the pool’s design was the starting point of the project, as it was considered the center of the whole residence; designed as a semi-open area to be seen from almost every room in the house. above the pool takes shape the master suite, with an extensive floor-to-ceiling opening, which reveals and hides the rooms.

the interior of the room is protected by a wide slatted wood panel that slides horizontally, allowing the opening to be completely closed. when opened, the panel removes any obstacles between the room and the pool, while the frame that supports the structure becomes a suspended deck. the vertical garden on the opposite side of the suite completes the view and, at the same time, protects the privacy of the room. on the ground floor, where the pool is placed, there is a solarium with four comfortable chaise lounges surrounded by a tropical, lush garden. on the other side, the social volume is composed of living and dining rooms.

the master suite faces the pool area with an extensive floor-to-ceiling opening in a suspended wooden deck, surrounded by a green wall

unfixed walls offer visual connection through the dwelling

the possibility of a total opening to the pool area enables the connection between these spaces and allows abundant natural ventilation and lighting. the vegetation behind the living room mirrors and dialogues with the garden on the opposite side, providing unity and reinforcing the idea of ​​complete spatial integration. still, on the social volume, panels that slide horizontally until their complete opening are backed on two series of longitudinal tracks, also working as dividers. at the upper level, another wood-covered volume guards the home office, with panels that offer the total opening to the rooms at the ground level.

next to the pool, a wooden solarium with four chaise lounges is surrounded by a tropical garden, with landscaping designed by rodrigo oliveira

the gardening rooftop complements the house’s living and leisure areas, establishing a dialogue with the surroundings and offering a privileged view of the neighborhood. equipped with a jacuzzi, chaise lounges and a dining table, the terrace also has a view of the pool and is connected to a large solarium created over the intimate block, where the master suite is located. above it, there are guest rooms and other private facilities, with large windows opening to the pool.

on the underground floor, takes shape the most reserved area of ​​the residence. dubbes ‘redroom’, the space has special lighting and acoustic treatment to create the ideal atmosphere for parties. the red neon lights make up a particular identity that distinguishes itself from the rest of the house. the lower floor also has a fitness room and a large garage.

the pool was the starting point of the design

panels that slide horizontally work as dividers of these areas

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free of fixed walls, the connection between the social areas and the garden reinforces the idea of ​​complete spatial integration

at the upper level, the home office is sheltered by panels that can totally open to the living room at the ground level

above the social block, a gardening rooftop provides a privileged view of the neighborhood

composed by the guest rooms and other private rooms, the private volume, besides its eminence, seems like a floating wooden block

redroom – the most reserved area of the house – has special lighting and acoustic treatment to create the ideal atmosphere for parties

at events that take place in the redroom, it is possible to observe the bottom of the pool, framed just like an aquarium

project info:

name: ibsen house
designer: MFMM (matheus farah e manoel maia) arquitetura  

location: são paulo, brazil

images by: fran parente

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina petridou | designboom