victor ortiz integrates umuarama residence into landscape near são paulo

umuarama residence: emerging from the earth

architect victor ortiz envisions the umuarama residence among a mountainous site of são paulo, brazil. the project embodies the designer’s desire for built space to emerge from its natural context, becoming a cohesive extension of it. designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, glass sliding doors bring the exterior indoors, while the interior gardens bring the interior outdoors. wood and linen furnishings create an inviting and warm atmosphere, complemented by a unique fireplace at the heart of the house.

visualizations by kern studio | @kern.studio

celebrating the landscape

envisioned high up in the brazilian mountains bordering the state of são paulo and minas gerais, the umuarama residence by victor ortiz (see more here) celebrates the natural landscape and views with its continuous glass facade. to minimize the impact on the terrain, the common area is divided in two, following the natural topography and differentiating the intimate from the social spaces. while the dwelling blends into the landscape, the goal of the design team is to introduce a house that did not disturb the site, and did not use materials that are out of place.

architecture and interiors by victor ortiz

along the living room of the umuarama residence, victor ortiz balances cold concrete floors with warm wood tones and soft fabrics. the entrance is shifted from the main axis, and creates a pathway for the user to discover the views and spaces throughout the design. the kitchen is designed to blend in the walls. using corten steel and stone as backdrop, the kitchen is a solid, monolithic volume.

one of the most important design concepts was to make use of not only local materials, but also brazilian furniture designers and art pieces. thus, the house is filled with iconic pieces of the country’s designers. the patio, an extension of the living room, is realized with wood and stone, under the same principle of natural materiality. here, large pieces of furniture create a heaviness which contrasts with the light-weight expression of the roof.