Grecia Contemporary House by Isay Weinfeld

I would like to introduce a bit of architecture to my blog. All in all this is really my field. As my first true contemporary architecture I would like to present to you this beautiful design by Isay Weinfeld. Grecia House  is located on a corner plot featuring 4.830 sq m in a residential area in São Paulo, Brazil. It was intended to be a house where the client could enjoy the company of his kids and many friends. For that purpose ample and various entertaining areas were designed and built, such as a cinema room, a recreation room for the children and a sauna. The house also features a large gym room and a long swimming lane.


'...From the main entrance, one approaches the house – set at the back of the land – by foot, up and through a wooded area, and across a wide garden. The house comes then fully to sight: 4 joined but distinct blocks, respectively covered with pebble-blasted concrete plaques (living quarters), exposed concrete (office), wood planks (entertaining area) and sand-blasted concrete plaques (dining and service areas).


A driveway set at the back of the house can be used by those arriving by car. Past a garage where the owner keeps his antique cars collection and up through a lush indoor garden, one comes to the main floor, where all living and entertaining areas are to find – except for the gym and recreation rooms, located on the lower floor, and the sauna, on the basement.
The location of the house was also defined by (huge) existing trees. An important part of the concept, the decision to build small patios and gardens around them allows for broad natural light and ventilation inside the house, helping to keep temperature cool and pleasant green views whichever way one looks at...." (link)


I must say this is right up my street simple, spacious and bright. The contemporary feel I suspect not many regular people could afford cinema room, sauna, gym and pool but this is a project to get inspired by. Those clean lines can be translated into smaller projects as well. Do you like?