- Project: CR House
- Architect: Obra Arquitetos
- Location: Afghanistan, São José dos Campos, São Paulo
- Year: 2017
- Area: 650 m2
- Photography: Nelson Kon
A Modern Brazilian Home That Seamlessly Blends Inside and Outside
CR House by Obra Arquitetos stands as a compelling example of contemporary residential architecture in Brazil—a residence that marries climatic intelligence with expressive form and spatial fluidity. Located in São José dos Campos, this large family home responds to its tropical context through smart planning, generous outdoors, and a strong visual connection between interior and exterior spaces.
From first impressions, the architecture embraces openness and continuity. The residence is anchored by a large, single-sloped roof that shelters the home and creates a dramatic architectural gesture, while also serving functional purposes such as thermal comfort and spatial hierarchy.
A Bold Roof and L-Shaped Plan
At the heart of CR House’s architectural identity is a prominent inclined roof structure—a long, slightly sloping form that organizes the spatial distribution beneath it and defines the silhouette of the residence. This roof is more than an aesthetic choice; its geometry enhances thermal performance, encourages natural air movement, and provides generous ceiling heights that enrich the interior spatial quality.
The house is laid out in an L-shaped plan, framing a central courtyard and green lawn. This configuration not only increases privacy but also anchors the home around a protected outdoor heart—transforming the courtyard into an extension of interior living areas and creating a sheltered outdoor space that is truly integrated with daily life.
Indoor–Outdoor Fluidity and Spatial Experience
Obra Arquitetos champions openness in CR House through the strategic placement of large sliding glass doors and expansive openings that dissolve the barriers between inside and out. On the ground floor, the living, dining, and social spaces open directly to the central lawn. These generous apertures allow daylight to flood deep into the home while giving residents seamless access to shaded verandas and outdoor leisure areas.
This seamless flow supports a lifestyle rooted in the Brazilian climate—with daily life unfolding effortlessly between interior and exterior volumes. The design’s emphasis on fluidity ensures that space is both flexible and engaging, adapting to social gatherings, quiet family moments, and seasonal shifts.
Strategic Use of Materials and Sustainability
Materiality in CR House is purposeful and grounded. Structural elements like exposed concrete and steel communicate strength and authenticity, while wood accents and glass surfaces add warmth and transparency. Together, they create a balanced palette that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.
Sustainability plays a prominent role in the project. A photovoltaic solar panel system installed on the roof generates renewable energy—producing approximately 720 kWh per month—which significantly reduces electricity consumption and underscores the home’s commitment to environmental performance.
Dynamic Interior Zoning and Comfort
The interior layout is thoughtfully articulated across two levels. The ground floor hosts communal living areas, while the upper level accommodates private functions such as multiple suites, a TV lounge, and an office—all with framing views toward the central lawn.
Upper floor windows become an architectural play on Brazilian colonial verandas—each suite opening visually toward green space, enhancing cross-ventilation, daylight access, and thermal comfort throughout the home.
A Distinctive Approach to Contemporary Living in Brazil
CR House by Obra Arquitetos is a residence where clarity of form, thoughtful environmental strategies, and a seamless indoor–outdoor relationship create a rich spatial narrative. Its integration with landscape, commitment to sustainability, and confident architectural language make it a noteworthy contribution to contemporary Brazilian residential design—one that celebrates both lifestyle and place.
