GAK House | Bernardes Arquitetura

GAK House, Designed as a meeting and resting space for the family, Casa GAK responds to the residents’ desire for a residence that integrates with the landscape and remains invisible to those passing by on the street.

From the very first sketch, the intimate relationship between the construction and the landscape was evident. A green roof extends from the street, in continuity with the existing topography of the land. Below, the construction projects out like a large balcony, enhancing the view of the landscape and bringing the residents closer to nature. The architectural program is divided into interconnected cores, carefully positioned around the internal garden—the heart of the house.

The living and leisure areas are surrounded by movable glass panels, allowing for complete integration with the garden, creating a visual connection and a shared living experience. The bedroom wing is protected by an independent circulation created by vertical wooden elements, which separate it from the garden, while balconies open up to the external landscape.

To support the large green roof, a mixed structure of concrete and steel was chosen. The presence of vegetation contributes to the creation of a more pleasant microclimate, reducing cooling costs and energy waste. Cross ventilation is facilitated by openings along the pavilions, and when the sliding panels are open, the internal and external spaces fully integrate. The abundance of natural light was an essential aspect of the project’s implementation, seeking balance between wide views of the landscape and thermal comfort. Taking advantage of this condition, the set of solar panels supplies the electrical system.

Slightly contrasting with the austerity of exposed concrete, the use of wood in the floors, ceilings, and furniture, combined with warm tones of fabrics and rugs, brings coziness, organic quality, and lightness. Sofas, tables, shelves, and lighting fixtures—specially designed for the project by the Bernardes Arquitetura team—compose the environment alongside pieces by renowned names in Brazilian design, such as Carlos Motta, Sérgio Rodrigues, Jean Gillon, and Joaquim Tenreiro.

Project Info
Architects: Bernardes Arquitetura
Country: Brazil, Porto Feliz
Area: 2988 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
Coordination: Bruno Milan, Mariana Cohen
Project Team: Gabriel Falcade, Patrícia de Souza, Marina Salles, Marianna Sessa, Eliza Altenfelder, Eduardo Chierighini, Juliana Fonseca, Juliana Prestes, Isa Pellacani, Fernanda Luqueze, Gabriela Sad, Marina Garcia, Gleice Sangregorio
Landscape Design: D’orey Brasil
Engineering & Consulting > Lighting: Carlos Fortes
General Construction: Lampur