Architectural Cases

The inaugural Brazilian Architecture Biennial, held in São Paulo's Ibirapuera Park, highlights three innovative pavilions designed by Superlimão, H2C Arquitetura, and Vida de Vila. These structures, displayed as part of the 'Pátio Metrópole' exhibition adjacent to Oscar Niemeyer's Pavilion of Brazilian Culture, demonstrate a fusion of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology. Each design thoughtfully addresses Brazil's diverse climate, showcasing how architectural solutions can be both culturally rooted and forward-thinking.

Superlimão's contribution, named Casa Superlimão, stands out for its use of 3D-printed concrete, a method not yet widely adopted in Brazil. The pavilion's core structure draws inspiration from the natural form of banana leaf stems, reflecting a 'biomimetic' approach that integrates nature's designs into modern construction. This concept is further enhanced by an engineered wood roof, featuring an oculus, and a contemporary reinterpretation of 'cobogó,' traditional ventilating breeze blocks. Additionally, recycled PET wool forms part of its wall sections, emphasizing sustainable practices.

Lula Gouveia, a partner at Superlimão, articulated the studio's vision, stating that architecture has always been a response to environmental conditions, geographical characteristics, and available resources. He noted that many traditional solutions emerged from this inherent constructive intelligence. The project, according to Gouveia, revisits this historical knowledge and integrates it with current technological advancements, aiming to create structures that resonate with the Brazilian identity, irrespective of regional differences.

Echoing the theme of vernacular architecture, Vida de Vila presented Casa Trussardi, a pavilion inspired by traditional building techniques from northern Brazil. This structure utilizes 'taipa' cladding, a local earthen material, to showcase modern interpretations of classic Brazilian construction methods. The pavilion features a thatched roof that allows for airy interiors, structural elements crafted from reclaimed wood, and earthen tiles on its floor. An exterior rammed-earth partition further defines this house-like dwelling.

Vida de Vila emphasized that Casa Trussardi embodies their recent research and practices in earthen architecture, highlighting the use of natural materials and the incorporation of ancestral building knowledge into contemporary design. The third pavilion, Casa Leve by H2C Arquitetura, in collaboration with French automotive company Renault, focuses on lightweight, transportable structures. It incorporates a demountable system, similar to Casa Superlimão's ceiling, where various wooden components are arranged in a reciprocal support system.

The structural framework of Casa Leve, composed of cross-hatched marine plywood, forms a tunnel enveloped by a high-performance tensioned membrane made from composite fabric, resembling a 'skin.' This design was conceptualized to explore the capabilities of light and portable architectural forms. All three architectural firms underscored their commitment to the mission of the Brazilian Architecture Biennial (BAB), which, in its inaugural year, aims to present architecture as an experiential journey, inviting visitors to engage with spaces that articulate Brazil's territory, materiality, technology, and daily life.

The Biennial's co-founder, Raphael Tristão, described the event as a comprehensive program, encouraging attendees to immerse themselves, circulate, pause, and reconsider the elements that define Brazilian culture and ways of living. The event provides a unique platform for architects to blend historical insights with modern innovations, creating a dialogue between past and present architectural practices.

A remarkable transformation has taken place in a Victorian terrace house within London, where the Goldstein Heather architecture studio has masterfully integrated a four-story extension. This addition features elegant arched apertures and a visually stunning wooden staircase, breathing new life into the residence.

Known as West London House, this Stamford Brook property underwent a comprehensive renovation led by Goldstein Heather. The primary objective was to expand and reorganize its previously disjointed layout, creating a more cohesive and accommodating living environment for the family of five. Giles Heather, co-founder of the studio, expressed that despite its imposing facade, the original narrowness of the house felt restrictive to the occupants. The family desired a sense of openness that fostered connection without compromising individual space.

To achieve this, a significant four-story extension was constructed on the site of a former 1930s army center, which the clients acquired. The original structure, lacking adequate natural light and garden access, was demolished to make way for the 244-square-meter lateral expansion, effectively doubling the home's total area to 500 square meters. The exterior of the extension was meticulously designed to mirror the original facade in a nearly symmetrical fashion, seamlessly blending Victorian charm with contemporary elements. Both sections of the house maintain separate front entrances and internal staircases, preserving their distinct characters while being interconnected across all four levels. The original Victorian facade received a careful restoration, with layers of paint removed and brickwork meticulously repaired. Inside, suspended ceilings were removed, revealing intricate original moldings. For the extension's exterior, a pale yellow brick facade with a concrete finish was chosen to harmonize with the local architectural style, enhanced by a captivating zigzag pattern on the uppermost floor for added visual interest. The heart of the new extension is a luminous ground-floor living area, boasting an open-plan kitchen and a double-height dining space. Collaborating with designer Sebastian Cox, the kitchen features custom-made ash joinery and cabinetry, complemented by a lengthy marble island adorned with green veining. Bespoke pendant lights illuminate the space. Leveraging the site's east-west orientation and an unobstructed view of an adjacent park, a double-height void was incorporated to flood the area with natural light. The former kitchen-dining area in the original house, once dim and disconnected from the garden, has been repurposed into a functional study. A series of expansive arched openings, set within pale textured walls, gracefully delineate the transition from the kitchen to the dining area, while geometric half-moon windows offer picturesque views of the surrounding garden foliage. Heather explained that these columns and arches create distinct yet open spaces, imparting a sense of grandeur, tranquility, and harmony, and interact beautifully with light. The interior design aimed for a serene, spacious, and well-lit environment, utilizing a controlled tonal palette and natural textures to soften definitive edges.

Overlooking the kitchen and dining area, a mezzanine seating space is elegantly framed by a gracefully curved timber balustrade. A sculptural staircase, crafted from Douglas fir, serves as a central feature, connecting all four levels of the extension. The stairs and landings progressively widen as they ascend, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Addressing the client's desire for both privacy and connection, the second floor was conceived as an interconnected suite for the three children, spanning both the old and new sections of the house. The third floor is dedicated to the main bedroom, complete with a dressing room and a balcony, creatively utilizing a former small room from the original layout. Goldstein Heather, a London-based architectural and design practice led by Heather and Simon Goldstein, continues to innovate in residential architecture. The successful integration of historical preservation with modern design principles in the West London House project stands as a testament to their expertise and vision. This project beautifully exemplifies how thoughtful architectural intervention can transform existing structures, enhancing livability and aesthetic appeal for contemporary families, while respecting the heritage of the building.