Beyond straight lines: curves in Brazilian homes
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Modern architecture in its early days was based on innovative building technologies and a rejection of ornament, which established the use of straight lines in the design of buildings. However, thanks to the plasticity of concrete and other materials, new patterns began to emerge, resulting in more organic and sinuous lines.
Whether for visual effects or for more technical reasons such as better adaptation to the terrain, the curved elements certainly offer a unique perception of space, both from the outside and from the inside. Here we have listed seven contemporary Brazilian homes that stand out for using this feature.
In the Boipeba house, designed by daarchitectes, the plasticity of the concrete allowed for a more organic layout that creates a more subtle dialogue with the surrounding natural landscape.
The architectural program of the SapucaÃ-Mirim House, by APBA – Arquiteto Paulo Bastos e Associados, is organized in three blocks at ground level, adopting curved plans that articulate the spaces through passages that are sometimes open and sometimes closed, dividing the buildings throughout the terrain to make the most of the incredible scenery.
For the Maison à Gonçalves, by André Vainer Arquitetos, the main objective was to keep the original contour lines of the land and to optimize the excavation material, hence the slightly curved shape.
The architectural firm Obra Arquitetos has two exceptional residential projects that adopt curved lines to improve the quality of life of their residents. Maison LEnS has an interior courtyard which allows visual contact between the rooms, bringing the inhabitants closer to each other. A curved glass panel creates a seamless view of this patio, allowing residents to enjoy nature and the changing seasons.
The second example is the LLF house, which features a sinuous flat roof that covers the utility room, garage and living areas, all open to the outdoors. This element, with a few structural walls, creates an open space for cooking, living and relaxing, without strict limits, so that users can enjoy the environment with freedom, space and maximum interaction between all spaces.
The Maison Cauman d’Estúdio BRA required a garden that could be used as a space for musical presentations. To highlight this area, the house is covered with a flat roof with straight outer edges and an organically shaped hole in the center. This creates a transition between the garden, which has a fluid and organic design, and the upper floor, consisting of a clearly man-made white cube with rectangular windows.
Finally, Mareines Arquitetura + Patalano Arquitetura has created Maison Pinhão inspired by pine seeds, which stands out for its welcoming sinuosity that seems to weave its way through the trees and the winds. The inhabitants are embraced by ramps instead of stairs and sculptural passages instead of hallways, transforming the sensory experience with every step.
Editor’s Note: the descriptions of the projects are based on the texts provided by the authors.
