In the hills of Nova Lima, Brazil, Casa Castela emerges as a distinctive residential marvel shaped by a towering 13-meter slope. BIRI‘s innovative project finds its character in this steep landscape, weaving the vertiginous terrain into the very fabric of the home’s design. The architectural endeavor arose from the strategic vision of @omanuelsa, documenting the synthesis of nature and architecture with artistry.
Choosing the site was a thoughtful process, where architects from BIRI assisted clients in recognizing the plot’s potential. Its partial pre-existence and a municipal permit offered a unique start, requiring analytical precision—a survey of existing structures coupled with revised topographic analysis guided the way. Here, geography informs design rather than resists it.
Central to this transformation is a red metal walkway that gracefully extends from street level to the house entrance. It offers not only access but an evolving experience of movement across the incline. The walkway, alongside an elevator, is a vivid testament to the site’s verticality, offering views and enhancing accessibility while ensuring that the slope becomes a recognizable architectural feature. At the base, reinforced concrete retaining walls ingeniously carve out parking spaces and a protected courtyard, sculpting utility from challenge.
BIRI‘s architectural team organized the residence into distinct tiers of living zones. Private areas such as the master suite and children’s rooms inhabit the upper floors, while the ground floor becomes a tapestry of communal life: living and dining areas, a kitchen, and a dedicated atelier. A steel and concrete staircase, mirroring the meticulous construction materials used, connects these spaces internally.
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In keeping with regional building traditions, Casa Castela employs a blend of reinforced concrete, ceramic masonry, and aluminum window systems. Steel elements, nodding to Nova Lima’s iron-rich soil, are finished in earthy hues, embedding the home within its locale. Interiors reflect a curated ambiance, integrating personal art with restrained lighting to highlight, never overwhelm, the space’s essence.
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Manuel Sá’s imagery captures the project’s visuals, detailing the interplay of sweeping lines and lush surroundings. The project insightfully uses the number 332.25 square meters in exploring the Vila Castela Condominium’s woven narrative under the stewardship of lead architects Marcos Franchini and Nattalia Bom Conselho. Additional teams, including elevator experts Vertline and steel innovators Techneaço / Y&D Engenharia, fortified the initiative.
Ultimately, Casa Castela does more than occupy space; it resonates through its elevation, inviting residents to journey upward—a harmonious reflection of its creators’ ingenuity and the land’s untamed spirit. Dive deeper into this architectural feat by exploring submissions with @biri.arq.
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Source: designboom.com