A Modern Home with an Overwhelmingly Lush Interior

Megan Harris Megan Harris
Casa Vila Alpina 02, Márcia Carvalhaes Arquitetura LTDA. Márcia Carvalhaes Arquitetura LTDA. Living room
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This Brazilian home by Marcia Carvalhaes Architecture is the ultimate in grandeur and luxury! A dramatic cantilevered deck juts out over the lush and gently rolling site and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hilly landscape. If the lavish pool sitting a few steps from the living room, offering a beautiful view whilst bathing in the sun isn't impressive enough, it boasts an indoor spa too. One might be forgiven for never wanting to leave the house, especially after discovering the floor to ceiling wine rack! 

The spaces flow effortlessly, allowing us to feel at home while only looking through. The dramatic play with volumes, moving between single height and double height spaces, creates a rhythm within the interior. Full height glass, opening up to both the double height spaces and the incredible views, is something we don't often see in the humble abode. But this really isn't any old humble abode, is it? Come take a closer look inside and see for yourself!

Dramatic cantilevers

The timber of the cantilevered deck brings a natural element to the house, putting it at place in the natural surroundings. It also breaks up the mass of the three storied building so that it is less imposing at a readable scale. The home remains un-intrusive as the deck floats out from the building, taking up very little space. A feeling of elevation without grounding is surreal whilst gazing out over the impressive surroundings.

Door in disguise

After being welcomed in grand style the opulence continues at the entry with this beautiful pivot door. The moment it opens outward it also opens inward, creating a wonderful and directional incision between inside and out. A feature which is often simply a portal, acting only to hold us out or let us in, becomes inviting and almost conversational. 

This feeling of flow is enhanced by the continuity in the flooring finish between inside and out. Once closed back into the timber clad wall the door then becomes completely disguised. If a dramatic pivot door is not the entry solution you are looking for, you may find some helpful inspiration here!

Impressive heights

The full height glass panels in this double height living space are one of the most striking elements of the home. They offer a magnificent view of the pool and Brazilian hill-side beyond. Matching their impressive height, the sweeping curtains imbue the room with a soft and delicate homeliness. 

The small touch of green, running alongside the pool, connects the house to its impressive surroundings when viewed from the rooms simple, but lovely furniture. The clean, white decor is set in contrast to the beautifully worn wooden floors. This once again places the home with ease in its raw, natural surroundings and adds character to both.

The long room

The floor above juts into the double height space, giving a view down below. This long, open and inviting space implores the owner to entertain. A slender, elongated bar, acting to divide the space, offers a more informal way to enjoy a meal or a drink. The flooring changes throughout the home, differentiating the various functions and visually breaking up the large open plan space. However, none of the flooring materials stray from the natural and earthy pallet.

A play with volumes

Coming into the open plan living quarters we experience another double height space, which punctuates this living wing, giving it varied spacial quality's and breaking up what could otherwise have been a very overwhelming length. The view is framed in various ways and can be enjoyed from any number of angles. The clever use of a landing space also allows the residents to interact easier in such an overwhelmingly large interior space.

Luxury touches

Now, that spa doesn't look like the worst way to spend a cold day indoors, does it? While completely protected from the elements, in the warmth of your home, you can feel as if you are enjoying a relaxing spa amidst nature; and when the weather permits, the glass sliders can be opened up to the outside. If you're looking for more home spa inspiration, Home relaxation zones made easy may be the read for you!

Affording every convenience

To round up the tour on this plush home, we take you to another large room that will excite any wine connoisseur; the aforementioned wine cellar. Well not quite a cellar, but you really would not need to leave the house with such a selection. The room also boasts a cosy relaxing quarters with fine couches for the owners to spend time in when deciding on what wine they would like to enjoy.

For a contrast to the expansiveness of this residence, take a look at Space redefined in a Hong Kong home!

Do you like the style of this homes interior? What style do you prefer? Let us know in the comments section, below!

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