timber lattice with pivoting windows clads 'delta house' by bernardes arquitetura in brazil

on a sloping terrain near são paulo, brazil, ‘delta house’ by bernardes arquitetura is a private family residence surrounded by an important atlantic forest reserve. seeking to blend harmoniously within the natural setting, the dwelling takes shape as a large volume with a timber lattice façade and pivoting windows that blur the boundary between interior and exterior. 

photo by ruy teixeira

the intervention by bernardes arquitetura began with the study of the topography and existing forest, so that the house could be integrated into the verdant landscape. the functional program was based on different levels, in order to allow the house to subtly adapt to the existing terrain and trees. consequently, circulation is formed as an internal journey beginning at the access courtyard and reaching its destination at the terrace, opening towards a generous sea view.

photo by ruy teixeira

the project showcases a clear sectorization: the larger timber-covered volume of the first floor houses the suites of the children and guests, while the terrace accommodates the master suite and living areas. the sectorization is identifiable through the contrast between the heavy longitudinal block, which appears to be attached to the topography, and the light, sloping canopy, supported by tubular-sectioned columns. this spatial organization flexibilizes the use of the residence, with the terrace serving as an autonomous pavilion that allows the entire first floor to be closed off, if required. 

photo by leonardo finotti

the façade offers two contrasting readings, either emphasizing the volume’s closed-off character, or alternatively displaying the pivoting windows in motion. an important conceptual aspect of the project is the desire to provide the spaces with a certain ambiguity by attenuating the boundaries between ‘inside’ and ‘outside’.

photo by ruy teixeira

on the ground level, the large lobby allows the landscaping to encroach upon the stairs to question the boundaries between the interior and exterior. the upper floor is the most privileged part of the house, being favored by outstanding views of the sea and beach which are less than one hundred meters away. the trapezoidal, wafer-thin canopy sits on large glass panes and forms a pavilion that shares the same floor as the large veranda around it.

photo by leonardo finotti

the canopy’s gentle slope and the orientation of the timber sunscreens guide the eye toward the horizon, where an infinity edge makes the swimming pool appear part of the ocean. the residential experience has been expanded in this way by employing design strategies which not only offer protection to the house itself, but also make it possible for the homeowner to fully enjoy the existing natural surroundings.

photo by leonardo finotti

photo by ruy teixeira

photo by ruy teixeira

photo by leonardo finotti

photo by ruy teixeira

photo by leonardo finotti

photo by leonardo finotti

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project info:

name: delta house
architects: bernardes arquitetura
design team: thiago bernardes (creative director), dante furlan, camila tariki, bruno milan, daniel vannucchi, pérola machado
landscape architecture: isabel duprat
lighting design: lightworks
construction company: all’e engenharia
management: cimenge engenharia
pool design and installation: comarx
electrical and hydraulic installations: grau
structural design: leão e associados
location: guarujá, 
site area: 1500 sqm (1615 sqft)
built area: 1000 sqm (1076 sqft)

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom