A sculptural residence where contemporary architecture is expressed through monolithic planes, inclined supports, and open social space.
Project Overview
Casa R|L is a private residence in Pouso Alegre, Brazil, by Casalli Arquitetura, led by architect Mayra Casalli. Set on an irregular site, the house develops a clear architectural identity through inclined pillars, cantilevered volumes, and large monolithic concrete planes, including Castelatto concrete slatted panels. Wood‑inspired finishes temper the structural rigor, while the social spaces—living, dining, kitchen, and covered terrace—form a continuous field central to the project’s contemporary architecture.
The striking entrance showcases a mix of concrete and wood finishes.
A double‑height entrance hall opens directly to the main living area, where generous apertures draw light across exposed structural elements and textured concrete surfaces. The restrained palette keeps attention on geometry and proportion; structure reads as a deliberate visual device rather than background utility. Comparable control of material tone and massing is evident in Contemporary Vernacular.
The open living area combines soft textures and sleek furniture.
Site and Urban Context
The residence addresses an irregular urban lot with an assertive street presence. Cantilevered forms and inclined supports compose a layered front elevation, while the primary bedroom on the upper level faces the street, balancing privacy with outlook. The plan organizes daily life deep into the plot toward outdoor entertaining and pool areas, extending usable space beyond the building envelope.
Design Concept in Contemporary Architecture
The design leverages asymmetry and cantilever to articulate depth and shadow. Inclined pillars register the load path visibly, giving the facade and interiors a consistent structural rhythm. Castelatto concrete slatted panels add texture and visual movement against larger planar surfaces, while wood‑inspired elements introduce warmth. A related dialogue between concrete and timber can be seen in Interwoven Landscapes.
The dining space showcases an inviting table setting.
Spatial Organization
Social spaces are arranged as an open suite: the living room sits beside the double‑height hall, the dining area is defined by furniture, a large mirror, and architectural framing, and the kitchen operates as an independent environment while remaining visually connected. Large openings extend the interior toward a covered outdoor dining and barbecue area, establishing an everyday link between cooking, eating, and entertaining. Upper‑level bedrooms include a front‑facing primary suite and a daughter’s room distinguished by a softer palette. For a comparable emphasis on indoor–outdoor flow, see The Conservatory House.
Materials and Facade
Primary expression through concrete: monolithic planes, exposed structure, and textured surfaces. Castelatto concrete slatted panels introduce fine‑grained relief and shadow. Wood‑inspired finishes and smooth interior surfaces provide tactile contrast to the robust envelope. Strong horizontal lines carry from facade to terrace elements, unifying exterior and outdoor rooms.
Light, Climate, and Atmosphere
Large openings and the double‑height hall draw daylight across principal spaces, emphasizing volume and material texture. Bathrooms employ horizontal windows for controlled illumination, with black detailing framing glass to echo the home’s linear language. The covered terrace ensures continuity of social use across changing weather, while the pool court reflects the building’s geometry for a quieter outdoor atmosphere.
Design Highlights
- Asymmetrical Massing With Inclined Pillars and Cantilevered Volumes Establishes A Clear Street Identity.
- Monolithic Concrete Planes Paired With Castelatto Concrete Slatted Panels Create Texture and Depth.
- Double‑height Entrance Hall Opens Directly Into The Living Area, Emphasizing Volume and Structural Clarity.
- Open Social Suite Links Living, Dining, and A Visually Connected Yet Independent Kitchen.
- Covered Outdoor Dining and Barbecue Terrace Extends Daily Use and Entertaining Beyond The Envelope.
- Warm Wood‑inspired Finishes Counterbalance Exposed Concrete and Black Detailing.
- Primary Bedroom Faces The Front Facade With Large Openings for Light and Outlook.
- Bathrooms Use Horizontal Windows and Slim Black Framing To Reinforce The Project’s Linear Language.
Key Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Architect | Casalli Arquitetura (lead: Mayra Casalli) |
| Location | Pouso Alegre, Brazil |
| Program | Private residence with open-plan living/dining/kitchen, covered outdoor dining and barbecue, pool |
| Main Materials | Exposed concrete, Castelatto concrete slatted panels, wood‑inspired finishes, glass |
| Status | Built |
| Keywords | contemporary architecture, Monolithic Forms, Open Plan Living, Architectural Identity |
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials define the facade of Casa R|L?
Exposed concrete and Castelatto concrete slatted panels form the primary exterior expression, complemented by wood‑inspired finishes for warmth.
How does the plan support indoor–outdoor living?
An open social core links living, dining, and a visually connected kitchen to a covered dining and barbecue terrace, with large openings facilitating direct movement to the pool area.
What role do inclined pillars and cantilevers play?
They articulate the load path as part of the architecture, shaping the street elevation, framing double‑height volumes, and producing depth and shadow across interior and exterior spaces.
