lima house carves open living spaces around a tropical garden in são paulo
By TERLIZZI
Lima House is a single-family residence designed by Pietro Terlizzi Arquitetura, conceived to create a domestic environment that integrates characteristics associated with both mountain and coastal landscapes within the urban context of São Paulo, Brazil. The architectural approach prioritizes openness, with a reduced number of internal walls and an emphasis on openings toward the exterior, allowing landscape elements to extend into the interior spaces.
Developed as a new construction, the 400-sqm residence is organized across three levels: a garage on the lower floor, social areas on the ground floor, and private spaces on the upper floor. The design concept explores the atmosphere of a beach house within the city through the use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and brick. The project includes a recreational program composed of a barbecue area, an outdoor swing, and a swimming pool with a suspended deck and spa. High ceilings support natural lighting and cross ventilation throughout the interior spaces.
aerial view | all images courtesy of Pietro Terlizzi Arquitetura
A key element of the project by Studio Pietro Terlizzi Arquitetura is the gourmet balcony, which is integrated with both the interior living areas and the pool zone, while also allowing separation through 9-meter sliding doors. This space continues the material palette of the interior, incorporating brick surfaces, wooden furniture, and structural Garapeira wood ceiling beams. Vegetation and daylight contribute to the spatial continuity between interior and exterior areas. A staircase adjacent to this area extends beyond the building line, forming a landing that overlooks the barbecue zone.
The recreational area centers on a pool designed with references to the work of Brazilian architect and landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx, combining straight and curved geometries in both paving and landscape composition. The result is a fluid composition without strict linear boundaries, integrated with surrounding greenery. The suspended walkway uses a wood-like flooring finish, while the pool deck is finished with natural São Tomé stone. Additional elements include a swing attached to a pergola, where an orchidarium is also located.
The pool was constructed prior to the main building, informing the subsequent architectural layout. The surrounding landscape was developed with organic forms intended to complement the water feature. The material and color palette throughout the project is based on natural elements, including stone and wood, with freijó wood used in selected details. The reduced number of internal partitions supports spatial continuity and visual openness across Lima House.
name: Lima House architect: Pietro Terlizzi Arquitetura | @pietro_terlizzi_arquitetura
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
This article was originally published by Designboom.