Brazilian Modernism: The Redux House by MK27

Considering the relatively recent legacy of architects such as João Batista Vilanova Artigas and Oscar Niemayer, it’s tempting to wonder whether modern architecture really went away for that long in South America.

This sentiment feels especially relevant when looking at a contemporary home design like the Redux House, which represents another impressive tribute to modernism by Brazilian architects Studio MK27.

Brazilian modernism - mk27 casa redux fernando guerra - exteriorBrazilian modernism - mk27 casa redux fernando guerra - exterior

There is a really pleasing continuity in MK27’s output. As noted in our previous coverage of both the Toblerone House and the Ramp House, this present contemporary style home also goes to remarkable lengths to obscure the structural elements on the ground floor.

Indeed, the roof appears as if it simply floats above the ground, helped by slender pilotis and an impressive cantilever (MK27 sure do like their impressive cantilevers!).

Another motif featured across the three houses is the use of the same wood pattern: thin slats spaced closely together and stained in a light brown polish. This pattern is used in different ways with each house.

Whereas for the Ramp House it features on the ceiling, in the Redux House it is employed as a brise-soleil on one side of the building, keeping the sun out and keeping the interior nice and cool.

Brazilian modernism - mk27 casa redux fernando guerra - living roomBrazilian modernism - mk27 casa redux fernando guerra - dining area

We could go on with the similarities, but it’s important to point out that these houses distinguish themselves from one another by more than just their catchy names.

The Redux House is distinctly shaped to its surroundings, and cuts a much more monumental image than the other houses, with its swimming pool plunging outward to the landscape beyond.

The impact of this monumentality is especially strong when viewed from the outside. However, viewing it from this vantage point does also reveal one slight shortcoming of MK27’s design: the lack of any interesting landscaping to take the edge off.

The home is very open to the environment in the far distance, but there is very little to engage the eye close up. Sat on an immaculate green lawn, the house almost looks like it has been helicoptered in.

ALSO READ: A Modern Home in Sao Paulo Features Straight Lines and Mid-century Furniture

Brazilian modernism - mk27 casa redux fernando guerra - living roomBrazilian modernism - mk27 casa redux fernando guerra - pool

But this is only when viewed from the outside. From the interior, the landscape beyond is excellently framed, and the whole space feels very in tune with its surroundings.

Which all to say, this is only a minor gripe. Overall, it’s another dazzling example of contemporary modernism from MK27.

 

 

Brazilian modernism - mk27 casa redux fernando guerra - pool nightBrazilian modernism - mk27 casa redux fernando guerra - exterior night

Photos by Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

.