BD House by Studio Arthur Casas: A Contemporary Concrete Residence Blending Privacy, Nature, and Vertical Living in São

Located in the dense urban fabric of São Paulo, Brazil, BD House byStudio Arthur Casas is a refined example of contemporary residential architecture that seamlessly integrates privacy, natural elements, and vertical spatial organization. Designed for a young family, this 651 m² residence reflects a thoughtful balance between openness and enclosure, responding intelligently to the constraints of a compact urban plot while delivering a rich spatial experience.

Architectural Concept: Cobogó Façade as a Climatic and Visual Filter

The defining feature of BD House is its distinctive cobogó façade, designed by Arthur Casas. This three-dimensional perforated screen acts as both a visual and environmental filter, allowing controlled views from the interior while ensuring privacy from the street. The cobogó system enhances natural ventilation and daylight penetration, making it a key passive design element in the house’s climate-responsive strategy.

Complementing this façade is a rebar-structured wall integrated with a hanging garden along the edge of the site. This green buffer softens the boundary between the public street and private residence, reinforcing the project’s commitment to biophilic design and urban greenery.

Material Palette: Pigmented Concrete as the Core Identity

The house’s façade is constructed using molded-in-place architectural concrete, with window frames and lighting fixtures embedded during the casting process. This meticulous integration ensures a seamless and minimalist aesthetic.

Achieving the perfect ochre tone required extensive testing, resulting in a warm, earthy pigmentation that defines the project’s visual identity. This color palette extends throughout the residence, influencing the selection of materials such as natural wood, metal finishes, and interior coatings. The result is a cohesive and timeless architectural language rooted in material authenticity.

Spatial Organization: Vertical Living on a Compact Plot

Due to the limited site area and extensive program requirements, the house is organized vertically across multiple levels. Each floor is carefully planned to optimize functionality while maintaining spatial continuity. An elevator connects all levels, ensuring accessibility and ease of movement throughout the home.

A key design intervention is the inclusion of an English courtyard, which introduces natural light and ventilation into the basement level. This lower floor accommodates service functions, including the garage, wine cellar, office, storage, and utility areas, transforming what is typically a dark space into a livable and well-lit environment.

Interior Layout: Open Living and Private Retreats

The ground floor is conceived as a fluid and integrated social zone, combining the living room, kitchen, and dining areas with direct access to the garden and barbecue space. This open-plan configuration fosters interaction and connectivity while maintaining a strong relationship with the outdoors.

Upper levels are dedicated to private spaces, including children’s suites, a master suite, and a guest room. Each space is designed to maximize comfort, natural light, and privacy, reflecting the needs of modern family living.

At the top, the penthouse level serves as a leisure retreat, featuring a swimming pool and deck area. This elevated outdoor space offers panoramic views and a tranquil escape within the urban context.

Interior Design: A Dialogue Between Iconic and Custom Pieces

The interiors of BD House showcase a curated selection of furniture from renowned designers such as Sergio Rodrigues, Charles Eames, Lina Bo Bardi, Jean Gillon, and Ricardo Fasanello. These iconic pieces are complemented by custom-designed furniture by Arthur Casas, including signature elements like the Apache dining table, Antigua coffee table, and Xingu chair.

This combination of international modernism and Brazilian design heritage creates a sophisticated and personalized interior environment, emphasizing craftsmanship, comfort, and timeless elegance.

Sustainable and Biophilic Design Approach

BD House incorporates several passive design strategies, including natural ventilation, daylight optimization, and the integration of vegetation through green walls and gardens. The cobogó façade, English courtyard, and hanging garden collectively contribute to a healthier indoor environment while reducing reliance on artificial systems.

The project demonstrates how sustainable architecture can be seamlessly integrated into high-end residential design, even within dense urban conditions.

BD House by Studio Arthur Casas stands as a compelling example of modern tropical architecture, where material innovation, spatial efficiency, and environmental responsiveness converge. Through its sculptural concrete façade, vertical organization, and strong connection to nature, the residence redefines urban living for contemporary families.