studio arthur casas elevates casa AL above brazilian landscape

studio arthur casas elevates casa AL above brazilian landscape
photo by fernando guerra
all images courtesy of studio arthur casas

located in the brazilian hills near rio de janeiro, studio arthur casas has built ‘casa AL’, a three-storey property offering panoramic views of the region’s outstanding landscape. working closely with the home’s owner, a long time client of the practice, the challenge for the architects was to maximize sightlines towards the ocean, as the original plot provided no direct views of the sea.

the property maximizes sightlines towards the ocean, offering panoramic views of the region’s dramatic terrain
photo by fernando guerra

the identified solution was to relocate the entrance, social areas and the infinity pool to the first floor, with direct access from the higher level of the steep adjoining street. consequently, the elevated property boasts impressive vistas along the shoreline. living accommodation is articulated around the dwelling’s pool, with large glass panels utilized to dissolve the division between internal and external space.

the entrance, social areas and infinity pool are positioned at first floor level
photo by fernando guerra

surrounded by an enclosed garden, guestrooms and service areas are positioned at ground level, while a smaller timber-clad volume with smaller proportions is placed at the uppermost level. this independent unit houses private facilities such as the residence’s master suite and a spa, both oriented towards the horizon.

surrounded by an enclosed garden, guestrooms and service areas are positioned at ground level
photo by fernando guerra

the materials employed throughout the design reflect the regional landscape, with quarry stone and cumaru wood (teak) locally sourced and extremely resistant to weather variations and erosion. internally, warm tones and textures establish a casual and comfortable living environment with the best of brazilian furniture fused with carefully curated foreign furnishings.

the materials employed throughout the design reflect the regional landscape
photo by fernando guerra

a smaller timber-clad volume with smaller proportions is placed at the uppermost level
photo by fernando guerra

large glass panels are utilized to dissolve the division between internal and external space
photo by fernando guerra

living accommodation is articulated around the dwelling’s elongated pool
photo by fernando guerra

internally, warm tones and textures establish a casual and comfortable living environment
photo by fernando guerra

brazilian furniture has been fused with carefully curated foreign furnishings
photo by fernando guerra

‘casa AL’ is located in the brazilian hills near rio de janeiro
photo by fernando guerra

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project info:

architects: studio arthur casas
author: arthur casas
coauthors: marina werfel, regiane khristian and renata adoni
contractor: CMN
consultants: renata tilli (landscape); maneco quinderé (lighting); projest (structure); noise (automation); panoramah (frames)
suppliers: RB engenharia, hydrotech (wood); palimanan, yapo, pagliotto, rafael peluccio (stones); primo vidros (glasses); bloquete e cia (concrete flooring); itaarte, mont blanc, galeria de la pietra (marble); portobello, portinari/cecrisa, recesa, colortil (ceramics); jatoba, atlas, vidro real (tiles); doc, tecnofial, eurocentro, arcanduva, snaldi (frames); secca (steel grid); metalbagno, altero, mekal (metalwork)
interior design: casual; micasa; varuzza; nanni chinelatto; atelier ricardo fasanello; dpot; arthur decor; emporium cortinas; passado composto
completed: 2013
plot area: 1,310 sqm
built area: 485 sqm
photography: fernando guerra