- Project: BC House
- Architect: N2B Arquitetura
- Location: Brazil, Ribeirao Preto
- Year: 2023
- Area: 465 m2
- Photography: Carolina Mossin
Poised on one of the highest plots within a residential condominium in Ribeirão Preto, BC House by N2B Arquitetura is a modern residence that balances brutalist expression and spatial elegance. Nestled into a sloping site with panoramic views, the home embraces both the challenges of topography and the client’s desire for integrated living.
Site, Strategy, and Entrance Sequence
The steep terrain immediately presented an architectural challenge—but also an opportunity. While a fully terraced structure may have been a predictable solution, N2B Arquitetura opted for a refined half-level entry, avoiding the abrupt sensation of fragmentation.
From the outside, the monolithic exposed concrete façade asserts strength and privacy. It stretches horizontally across the front elevation and is punctuated by cantilevered volumes at both ends. The main entrance remains hidden, subtly revealed by a minimalist path embedded in a curated landscape—inviting guests on a journey before arrival.
Upon entry, the interior unfolds in contrast: soaring double-height spaces, integrated sightlines, and warm finishes offer a welcoming counterpoint to the austere exterior. A staircase allows visitors to ascend to private bedrooms or descend into the dynamic social core.
Materials and Spatial Flow
Concrete plays a starring role both inside and out. The palette of greys, soft whites, and natural wood tones complement the structure’s raw surfaces and reinforce a modernist ethos grounded in material honesty.
The main level is defined by open, interconnected spaces. Living, dining, and gourmet areas share a visual dialogue, yet privacy is made possible through a large sliding door—a flexible partition that creates either a singular experience or discrete zones as needed.
Upstairs, the circulation spine floats above the living room’s void, flanked by a transparent railing that maintains a connection to the spatial volume below. Two key rooms—the master suite and an intimate lounge—were granted uninterrupted views of the horizon, thanks to the strategic positioning at the rear of the property.
Architecture That Balances Solidity and Lightness
The BC House is a study in duality—rigid yet open, bold yet discreet. The stark concrete of the upper level is softened by thoughtful landscaping, precise shadow lines, and the play of transparency across interior thresholds. By placing the heaviest materials above and the lightest spatial experiences below, N2B Arquitetura inverts traditional massing, resulting in a visually striking and structurally expressive residence.
BC House by N2B Arquitetura exemplifies how a challenging site can give rise to architectural ingenuity. Through a nuanced balance of form, flow, and materiality, the project reflects both modern Brazilian sensibilities and a deep understanding of the user’s needs.
