Driven by a ‘Planet Home’ theme, prominent Brazilian architect
Using a wide variety of Duratex materials, Nildo expresses an emotional bond with his hometown of Bahia, a tropical northeastern state in
Directly aligned with the front entrance, a 15m marble slab stretches down one side of the house, illuminated by an LED ribbon. The feature is meant to welcome visitors, subtly recalling Bahian mysticism. A concave stone portico clad with panels of dark Duratex timber curves above the marble feature, creating an illusion that confuses the vertical plane with the horizontal. Burnt cement walls are coated in a natural linen shade, a contrast to the dark timber and reference to the simplistic style of Bahia beach houses.
Natural stone floors reflect natural light from full-height glass facades which face an outdoor seating area and garden, bringing nature’s influence inside the house and referencing the colours of the Brazilian landscape. A skylight is protected by special glass that controls the sun’s rays and a gridded ‘muxarabi’ screen. This traditional element of Bahian architecture further dilutes the sunlight, whilst at the same time casting intriguing shadows courtesy of the tight grid pattern.
The gridded screen is a motif used throughout the home, with a white panelled box in the centre of the space comprising both the kitchen and bathroom, fold-out doors and screens concealing the amenities.
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