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Architecture

10 modern houses that marked the history of 20th century architecture

From Le Corbusier to Lina Bo Bardi, to celebrate World Architecture Day we selected the main houses of modern architecture in Brazil and around the world

By Yeska Coelho

Submitted at Jul 1, 2021, 7:00 AM

08 min de leitura
House of Canoes, 1951, Rio de Janeiro, Rio, BR - Oscar Niemeyer

House of Canoes, 1951, Rio de Janeiro, Rio, BR - Oscar Niemeyer (Divulgação)

Modern houses of the 20th century have gone down in history as landmarks of modern architecture . Great names such as Le Corbusier, Oscar Niemeyer, Lina Bo Bardi and other masters were fundamental in this period with iconic and memorable buildings. Below, we have selected 10 modern houses in Brazil and around the world to remind you of (or learn about) the work of great names in architecture. Check it out!
Villa Savoye, 1931, Paris, FR - Le Corbusier

Villa Savoye, 1931, Paris, FR - Le Corbusier (Divulgação/CASACOR)

Opening our list with a flourish, Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye is an icon. The modern house was completed in 1931, at a time when machines and technology were invading cities. Le Corbusier's house is a breath of fresh air amidst so many changes that were taking place in Paris. The free-standing façade, open plan, flat roof terrace and large windows are all hallmarks of the architect's work – and have also become important features of modernism.
Casa Das Canoas, 1951, Rio de Janeiro, Rio, BR - Oscar Niemeyer

Casa Das Canoas, 1951, Rio de Janeiro, Rio, BR - Oscar Niemeyer (Divulgação/CASACOR)

Casa das Canoas is a modernist icon that could not be left out. Oscar Niemeyer is probably the greatest name in Brazilian modernism in the 20th century. Designed between 1551 and 1554, Niemeyer's house invests in modern elements such as concrete structures, pillars and an open façade. The contrast between nature and the design with a sinuous and elegant slab is noteworthy.
Glass House,1949, New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - Philip Johnson

Glass House,1949, New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - Philip Johnson (Divulgação/CASACOR)

Philip Johnson 's masterpiece still impresses everyone today. Named Glass House, the space draws attention for "camouflaging" itself amidst nature, as its entire facade is made of glass - a strong feature of 20th century modern architecture. The modern house was completed in 1949 and is located in Connecticut - and is open to the public.
The Sheats-Goldstein House,1961, LA, EUA - John Lautner

The Sheats-Goldstein House,1961, LA, EUA - John Lautner (Jeff Green/LACMA/CASACOR)

Designed by John Lautner , the Goldstein House was completed in 1963 for artist Helen Sheats, college professor Paul Sheats, and their three children in Los Angeles, USA. The house is a masterpiece of modernism, with impeccable textures that blend its architecture with the wooded space. With open spaces and predominant use of concrete – characteristic of modern architecture – the space is still an iconic work, today belonging to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) .
There is no one who cannot be enchanted by Frank Lloyd Wright's Waterfall House . The modern architect's idea was that residents could perform their daily tasks to the soothing sound of falling water. To create this effect, Wright invested in rocks and concrete around the central fireplace , which, in a way, brings the waterfall "into the house". The work was completed in 1939 and is located in Pennsylvania .
Casa de Vidro, 1950, São Paulo, SP, BR - Lina Bo Bardi

Casa de Vidro, 1950, São Paulo, SP, BR - Lina Bo Bardi (Henrique Luz/CASACOR)

The Glass House is one of the most important Brazilian works, especially when we talk about modern architecture. Designed by Lina Bo Bardi, the residence served as the home of the architect and her husband in Brazil. Located in Morumbi, São Paulo , Lina's house was a pioneer in the neighborhood, in 1950. It has two outbuildings: a caretaker's house and an open wooden studio, where Lina received visitors for work meetings. >> Check out the story of Lina Bo Bardi's Glass House
Farnsworth House, 1949, Plano, Illinois, USA - Mies van der Rohe

Farnsworth House, 1949, Plano, Illinois, USA - Mies van der Rohe (Divulgação/CASACOR)

A modern house whose façade is in perfect harmony with nature. The Farnsworth House is located in Illinois, USA, and was designed by Mies Van de Rohe. The modernist architect invested in metals and glass for the construction, which was completed in 1951. The house has a single floor and eight steel pillars to raise the building 1.60 m above the ground - since the region is known for the floods of the Fox River.
Eames House, 1945, Pacific Palisades. LA, EUA - Charles and Ray Eames

Eames House, 1945, Pacific Palisades. LA, EUA - Charles and Ray Eames (Stephanie Braconnier/CASACOR)

The Eames House is a modernist classic that once served as the residence of the architect himself, Charles Ray Eames . What sets the building apart is that it was built on top of a 150-meter cliff with leftover materials and technologies developed during World War II . The house is located in Los Angeles and was completed in 1949.
Casa-estúdio, 1948, Cidade do México, MX - Luis Barragán

Casa-estúdio, 1948, Cidade do México, MX - Luis Barragán (Divulgação/CASACOR)

Known as the Luis Barragán House , the Studio House is located in Mexico City and is characterized by its striking colors and textures. Right at the entrance, a vibrant yellow is illuminated and reflected on a pink wall . The project was built almost entirely in concrete and was completed in 1948.
The Taylor House, 1961, LA, EUA - Richard Neutra

The Taylor House, 1961, LA, EUA - Richard Neutra (Tim Street-Porter/CASACOR)

Renowned for designing spaces that harmonize indoor and outdoor environments , Richard Neutra is the designer of the Taylor House , located in Los Angeles, USA. It was created to accommodate Maurice and Marceil Taylor in 1961 and aimed to reconnect residents with nature.