Built from scratch, an 875 m² house gets a brutalist design in Minas Gerais

Designed by architect Júnior Piacesi (from the CASACOR Minas Gerais roster), this residence was conceived from the ground up on a 600 m² plot, located in a gated community in Divinópolis (MG). With 875 m² of built area — considering all floors, paved access ways and verandas — the house is arranged over three levels and was designed for a couple with a young daughter.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

The site's natural slope was decisive for the architectural conception, allowing the program to be organized on three tiers without creating an excessive volume on the front facade. Garage, social area and private quarters were strategically placed to enhance the view and favor vertical circulation, through which natural light spreads throughout the residence.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

The project starts from a structural grid that respects the logic of the lower floors. The main structural mesh develops continuously, coinciding with walls and with the ground-floor garden, which connects to the vehicle access ramp. The structure is reinforced concrete, with masonry and glass enclosures. On the facades, custom fiber-cement panels were used; the ceilings are slatted wood and the window and door frames are black-painted aluminum.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

In the basement are the garage, storage, workshop, service suite and the pool equipment room. The ground floor houses integrated living, dining and conversation rooms, as well as kitchen, pantry, service area and bathroom, a gourmet veranda, bathroom, sauna with shower, deck and pool. On the upper floor, an intimate sitting room with a garden precedes the master suite — with walk-in closet and balcony — and three other suites, all also with closet and balcony.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

The concept stemmed from the idea of creating a spacious, comfortable house, with a rationalized structure and large openings. The careful selection of materials reinforces the minimalist character, while the structural organization and the design of the facades give the ensemble a brutalist identity.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

A central element of the spatial experience, the exposed concrete staircase treated with varnish organizes circulation between the floors. On one side are concentrated the longer-stay projects, such as living rooms and bedrooms, oriented toward the sun and the view; on the other, the vertical circulation and the service spaces. The restrained use of materials, such as concrete and metal, contrasts with the broad expanses of glass, which flood the interiors with natural light.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

In the decor, all items are new. The selection of furniture for the integrated social area was conducted in tune with the architectural concept, prioritizing the relationship between design and comfort, with emphasis on Brazilian creations by renowned authors.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

In the living room, the project is composed of the Lonzo sofa, by Jayme Bernardo; the pair of Cubo armchairs, by Jorge Zalszupin; the Max dining chairs, by Arthur Casas; the Springboard dining table, by Giorgio Bonaguro; the curved Bardot sofa, by Arthur Menezes; the pair of Beto armchairs, by Sergio Rodrigues; and the Sela armchair, by Fabricio Ronca. In the closet, the Barbatana chair is by Alva Design.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

In the outdoor area, the Atibaia barstools and Atibaia chairs, both by Paulo Alves, were specified; as well as the Rio Manso armchairs and Timbó loungers, by Carlos Motta. The palette runs through neutral tones — white, black and shades of gray — reinforcing the contemporary aesthetic with brutalist inspiration.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

Highlights include the outdoor dining table, made entirely of São Gabriel granite and designed by the studio; the master suite's closet, illuminated by a skylight; the couple's bathroom, which uses the same finish on the floor and walls, creating visual unity; and the TV room, marked by the winter garden.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi. (Estúdio NY18/CASACOR)

"The main challenge was to optimize the structure, coordinating the projects between the floors and following the land's slope, so as to organize and hierarchize an extensive program without generating excessive massing in the building," he concludes.