São Paulo’s 13-Foot Marvel: Casa MA Redefines Urban Living on a Narrow Lot
Tucked away on a tranquil cul-de-sac near São Paulo’s verdant Ibirapuera Park, Casa MA stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity. Designed by RUA 141 arquitetura, this remarkable urban dwelling defies its challenging dimensions – a mere 13 feet of frontage and just under 60 feet in depth – to emerge not as a compromise, but as a triumph of design. It’s a layered, light-filled sanctuary, meticulously crafted through thoughtful movement, rich materials, and a seamless integration with nature.
The home belongs to a dynamic young professional couple, both dedicated triathletes, whose lives are a vibrant blend of training, work, and social engagement. Their vision was clear: a space that resonated with their active lifestyle – open, flexible, and deeply connected to the outdoors – yet also offered warmth and the potential to grow into family life. When a rare opportunity arose to purchase a small, attached house on a dead-end street, they embraced the challenge, trading familiar rental living for the prospect of a fresh start.
A Vision Born from Constraint
The original structure, with its dark interiors, low ceilings, and heavy concrete stairs, was far from meeting their aspirations. Rather than attempting a retrofit, architect Mona Singal of RUA 141 proposed a bold full rebuild, preserving only the essential shared brick walls. Time was of the essence; construction commenced as the couple prepared to welcome their first child, imbuing every design decision with a sense of urgency and purpose.
Architectural Ingenuity: Steel, Light, and Greenery
A robust steel structure became the backbone of the new Casa MA, chosen for its speed of construction, precision, and minimal impact on the tight urban site. From this framework, a 1,453-square-foot residence unfolded across three distinct levels, ingeniously split into two volumes connected by elegant metal walkways. At the very heart of this intricate plan lies a small, vibrant garden, anchored by a native araçá tree. This verdant core is more than just a decorative feature; it’s a strategic element, drawing abundant daylight deep into the interiors and fostering crucial cross-ventilation across the home’s narrow footprint. Bedrooms on the upper levels gaze inward towards its lush foliage, creating a surprising sense of serene retreat amidst the surrounding urban density.
Seamless Living: The Ground Floor Experience
The ground floor is conceived as a fluid, continuous social landscape. Living, dining, and kitchen areas merge effortlessly, unified by a striking, elongated concrete element. This versatile piece adapts its function as it traverses the space, transforming from a comfortable bench to a practical shelf, a prominent display for the couple’s beloved bicycles, and finally, a functional countertop. Far from being hidden, the bicycles are celebrated as sculptural objects, mounted prominently and easily accessible, directly reflecting the identity and passions of the home’s inhabitants.
A Symphony of Materials and Textures
Casa MA’s character is defined by a captivating interplay of material contrasts. Exposed black steel columns and beams establish an industrial aesthetic, further emphasized by visible electrical conduits and sleek track lighting. This raw, honest expression is beautifully softened by the warmth of natural wood surfaces: herringbone-patterned tauari floors, elegant freijó frames, and bespoke millwork that introduces rich texture and tactility. White painted brick walls, revealed by stripping away layers of plaster, pay homage to the site’s original construction while simultaneously reflecting light, enhancing the brightness throughout the interior.
Private Retreats and Elevated Escapes
Ascending the folded metal staircase, with its perforated railings allowing light to filter freely, the first floor transitions into a realm of privacy. Here, bedrooms are linked by a linear corridor, bathed in natural light from a skylight above that frames captivating views of the sky. Floor-to-ceiling wooden doors further heighten the sense of verticality, subtly expanding the perceived proportions of the compact plan. The bathrooms embrace a handcrafted aesthetic, blending smooth cement finishes with charming hydraulic tiles in soft, calming hues. Skylights not only provide ample daylight but also ensure natural ventilation, reinforcing the house’s passive design strategies and cultivating a tranquil, almost spa-like atmosphere.
The rooftop emerges as Casa MA’s most unexpected and delightful feature. Accessed via a motorized glass-and-metal enclosure that floods the stairwell with light, this elevated sanctuary hosts an outdoor kitchen and a serene lounge area, enveloped by lush planters. Despite being surrounded by neighboring buildings, the space feels remarkably sheltered and private, an elevated garden offering a peaceful escape for the family.
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