Bright house in Rio de Janeiro for a family of architects with four children

The couple and partners in the Mezanino Architecture bureau, architects Philippe Marcondes and Fabiana Villela, designed the house for their large family. They have four sons, and 330 sq. m. of space for games and recreation. meters are now enough for everyone

Architects Filipe Marcondes and Fabiana Villela with their four sons — Nuno (11 years old), Bento (8 years old), Dante (5 years old) and Martim (3 years old).

Photo: Denlison Machado

Previously, architects Filipe Marcondes and Fabiana Villela from Mezanino Arquitetura lived with their two sons in an apartment in the south of Rio de Janeiro. In 2013, they had the opportunity to buy a plot of land next door and build a two-storey house with an area of 330 sq. m. from scratch. meters adapted to the needs of the family.

The work began in March 2016 and ended only this spring. “We acted without haste to make the house exactly as we imagined it. There were moments when we didn’t know what to do, but the effort was worth it,” explains Filipe. During the construction and renovation, two more children were born, and the spacious house now has enough space for games and recreation for all the household members.

Photo: Denlison Machado

The connection of the interior spaces and the exterior of the house was crucial in the development of the project. “We left isolated rooms only on the second floor and created a single large space in the rest of the house,” says Fabiana. In the interiors, the architects used straight lines, clearly defined volumes and only a few finishing materials to give the rooms a visual unity and connect them with the environment.

Eames Lounge Chair, diz. Ray and Charles Eames for Vitra.

Photo: Denlison Machado

Filipe and Fabiana chose a finish in a modern minimalist style with an emphasis on practicality. In the kitchen and living room, for example, white and gray shades with the addition of wood prevail. “Wood works as a “warming” element that creates comfort, white color creates a connection with the environment and serves as a background for decor. And the gray color brings modernity to the interior,” notes Filipe.

Photo: Denlison Machado

Photo: Denlison Machado

Photo: Denlison Machado

Huge swivel panels in black frames (5.5 m high) separate the kitchen-living room from the courtyard. They have played an important role in creating home comfort: thanks to them, there is always a lot of natural light in the interior, the panels contribute to ventilation and air exchange and maintain the connection of the “internal” and “external” environment.

Photo: Denlison Machado

Photo: Denlison Machado

An outdoor kitchen equipped with everything necessary was organized in the courtyard. If necessary, you can open the door and connect it with the space of the home kitchen located behind the wall.

Photo: Denlison Machado

In their bedroom, Filipe and Fabiana installed a partition made of slats in the center. On the one hand, it plays the role of the headboard of the bed, on the other — it takes the headboard of the bed on one side, and on the other — it serves as a niche for the washing area with a double sink.