Ortiz House | São Paulo, Brazil

Pure brickwork

The residence unfolds beneath the generous canopy of a leafy São Paulo neighborhood near Parque Ibirapuera. Designed for a family that values openness and an abundance of natural light, the 560m² residence reflects a philosophy rooted in harmony with nature and sustainable living.

Design Philosophy

Instead of demolishing the existing structure, the project sought to preserve and reinterpret it -reducing environmental impact while honoring architectural memory. This approach resonates with the owners’ longstanding commitment to environmental protection and animal welfare, turning the residence into both a home and a statement of values. The proximity to Parque Ibirapuera reinforces the home’s connection to urban vegetation. Existing trees were preserved, new tropical species were introduced, and the landscape was designed as a seamless extension of the architecture -transforming the house into a tranquil urban refuge.

The residence respects both the physical and cultural context of the neighborhood. The design retains original proportions and openings, subtly integrating contemporary interventions with restraint. The result is a home that enhances aesthetics and functionality without erasing its identity. By preserving the essence of the existing building and complementing it with modern architectural gestures, the project achieves a balance between conservation and innovation.

Functional Layout

The residence is organized across two volumes: a primary two-story block at the front of the lot and a secondary annex at the rear. A central courtyard connects them physically and visually, encouraging cross-ventilation and strengthening the dialogue with the garden. The annex accommodates an office and service areas on the ground floor, while the upper level houses a private guest suite, offering both comfort and seclusion. Inside the main volume, fluid social spaces promote interaction and continuity. The ground floor features luminous interiors where large, glazed openings and strategically placed skylights flood the home with daylight. A sculptural staircase commands attention at the core, guiding the eye and circulation upward.

The kitchen, dining, and gourmet areas align along a shared axis. Designed with flexibility in mind, the kitchen comprises two zones: a social area with a dining counter and a separate technical area for preparation, connected by a sliding door. The living room is defined by poetic lighting effects -circular ceiling apertures filter daylight softly, while a central fireplace anchors the space. Upper floors host the private and leisure areas. Three bedrooms occupy the first level, while the rooftop is dedicated to contemplation and relaxation. The home theater and game room extend the social atmosphere, combining daylight and intimacy.

Material Palette

The primary volume is clad in white-painted brick, evoking purity and timelessness. At key points, this brickwork continues indoors, reinforcing the dialogue between past and present. Warmth is introduced through wood details -seen in the entrance door, façade windows, rear deck, and interior millwork- that harmonize with the lush greenery.

Inside, a unified palette of monolithic flooring, stucco walls, and neutral brick details enhances spatial continuity and amplifies natural light. Bathrooms follow a similar clarity, combining terrazzo or stone floors and countertops with off-white tiles and wooden cabinetry. Furniture selections celebrate icons of modern and contemporary design. Together, these pieces curate an atmosphere of refinement, comfort, and timeless style.