CASA PAULA
A project where connection with nature, appreciation for design, and readiness for teamwork converge.
"Aesthetics are very fragile," warned Luciano Kruk to the owners of this house, who took his words seriously and did everything possible to ensure that the outcome of the work reflected the architect's vision.
Located in a development on the outskirts of São Paulo, the house is surrounded by a carefully designed landscape featuring an artificial lagoon and a golf course.
The owners, passionate about Brazilian art and culture, requested a home that would reflect their lifestyle and stand out for its design. The biggest challenge Luciano faced when designing this project was creating a large house that would not be perceived as a massive volume but would harmonize with the surrounding landscape. To achieve this, he organized the house on a single main level, complemented by a hidden level that houses technical areas and a gym, thereby achieving harmonious integration with the environment.
The house is organized around a central courtyard, where typical Atlantic Forest vegetation creates a visually enjoyable space. It has four bedrooms (—)one main and three for the children) a spacious living room, and an entertainment area.
A generous gallery occupies the most privileged position on the lot, offering direct views of the lagoon and golf course. This gallery is the heart of the home. In Brazil, thanks to the climate, it is possible to enjoy the outdoors for much of the year, and it could be said that it is a local custom for life to unfold largely in these types of spaces. Since the best views coincide with the sun's setting position, the gallery is protected with concrete partitions that, due to their inclination, reduce the impact of the sun in the afternoon.
The pool is designed at the same level as the main floor (elevated above ground) to create integration with the surrounding landscape through the reflection of the lagoon, establishing continuity between the two bodies of water. Being elevated above ground level, an infinity edge creates a cascading water effect, presenting itself as a sculptural piece at ground level.
The bedrooms, positioned towards the front of the lot, open onto a large front garden that provides a direct connection to nature while offering privacy from the street. Regarding the work process, Luciano highlights the contribution of the owners and the construction company, which specializes in executing design-focused houses, for creating ideal conditions that allowed the work to flow optimally, with the final result mirroring the original design.
Luciano and the construction company managed to transform geographic distance into closeness, maintaining fluid dialogue and constant feedback among all parties. This is not only reflected in the final result but also in a truly enjoyable and stimulating process for the entire team and the homeowners.
