1970s Brutalist residence – Brazil

Led by architect Lutero Leme, from the Arquitécnika studio, the project aimed for the revitalisation of a jaw dropping Brutalist residence, built in the 70s, originally designed by architect João Filgueiras . The intention was to keep the original exposed concrete and its volume and resolve current technological issues so the house can function as a modern home. To this end, the style and traits were maintained, but everything else was reconsidered.
With only four supporting pillars, the dwelling has two floors and a large concrete structure with rod-bound roof slabs, which makes the house flex up to two centimetres a day, depending on the ambient temperature. This movement was the starting point for the entire intervention project, as the materials had to be prepared for any expansion, without forming cracks or fissures. In response, drywalls and frames were designed with a floating system.
The original home, lacked privacy and natural light. To correct it, the architect invested in new installations and acoustics techniques. Aesthetically, decorative sculpted elements were used to separate rooms and allow natural ventilation. All rooms in the house have now have large glass panels to allow in daylight and frame the outlook. The living room with glass room dividers allows for a 270 degree outlook of the garden, city and Lake Paranoá.