The natural slope of an elongated plot serves as the starting point for the Casa dos Ipês, a project developed by Matheus Farah and Manoel Maia Arquitetura for a second residence in Porto Feliz, in São Paulo's countryside. The core concept was to prioritize rest, leisure, and the contemplation of the vast natural landscape at the back of the lot, creating a welcoming space for family and friends.
Laid out in a linear manner, the residence is organized into two overlapping volumes. The lower volume houses a basement gym on the left side and the ground floor spaces. Between two parallel walls made of organically arranged natural stone, a series of internal gardens delineates the wellness areas, social spaces, rest zones, and service areas. Integrated with the gym, the wellness program includes a sauna, hot tub, and massage area. At the front of the lot are the garage, storage rooms, social and auxiliary kitchens. Facing a large garden at the rear are the gourmet terrace, living and dining rooms, home theater, and a VIP suite, offering views of the native forest and access to an organically shaped pool surrounded by greenery. The staff quarters, including two bedrooms and a small living room, are located on the left side.
In contrast to the natural stone finishes of the first two levels, the upper volume embraces the lightness of a metallic grid to accommodate the private quarters and an exclusive balcony overlooking the property. This solution enabled the creation of a rooftop terrace, which required structural reinforcements; the grid elegantly and discreetly incorporates the project's beams and pillars. The terrace connects to a game room and provides access to the private quarters, which feature five suites, including a master suite, and an office that can be converted into an additional suite. These rooms are interspersed with gardens that, unlike those on the ground floor, open up to the surrounding landscape.
The interior design, in harmony with the lush and refreshing outdoor environment, incorporates internal gardens and furniture in warm tones, highlighting textures like wood, fabric, and copper. These materials emphasize the balance between the surrounding nature and the residence's clean, light lines, reflecting the horizontal layout that defines the Casa dos Ipês. As a nod to sustainability, the residence features automated lighting. Additionally, the gardens are equipped with automated irrigation systems, and the pool uses both passive and active solar heating, ensuring greater comfort and energy efficiency.