In the heart of Brasília's serene residential enclave lies Ostra House, a masterful renovation by STUDIO PIPPA that harmoniously blends familial warmth with architectural elegance. Designed to cradle the dynamics of a burgeoning family, this abode is a testament to the clients' vision of fluid and interconnected spaces that foster both intimacy and openness. The facade, with its meticulously composed elements, is a prelude to the spatial symphony within. A horizontal roof beam, seemingly defying gravity, is suspended above the vertical stone-clad wall, imbuing the structure with an ethereal lightness. This architectural gesture not only sets the scale of the house but also invites one to experience a profound sense of horizontality and embrace. The stone wall, a tactile guide, leads one into the heart of the home, where the roofline gracefully extends over the pristine white silhouette of the garage, establishing a cohesive dialogue between line, plane, and volume.
The design philosophy, grounded in the preservation of existing structural elements, unfolds across a singular level. This level is delineated into two distinct blocks: one dedicated to the intimate quarters, comprising three suites with bespoke closets, and the other housing the service areas, including a gourmet kitchen, laundry, and garage. Nestled between these blocks is the social core—a seamless expanse where living, dining, and work converge. This spatial choreography is underscored by a series of sliding doors, their planes in constant motion, allowing for an adaptable interplay of privacy and openness. This dynamic, evocative of an oyster's gentle embrace, bestows the residence with its evocative name.
Vast sliding glass panels in the living and gourmet spaces invite a cascade of natural light, dissolving the boundary between inside and out, and drawing the garden into the home's embrace. Skylights in the more intimate zones further enhance this light-filled narrative, while low-sill windows in the bedrooms frame serene vistas. Integral to this spatial continuum is the exquisite natural wood cabinetry, a testament to craftsmanship and elegance. A generously proportioned suspended shelf, a centerpiece of the design, underscores the home's horizontal flow and offers a stage for art, books, and cherished memories—a personal tapestry of the residents' lives.
Complementing this tableau is the clients' curated collection of Brazilian modernist and contemporary furnishings, each piece a nod to the country's rich design heritage. The material palette, rooted in authenticity, echoes the narrative of the house. Organic stone flooring weaves through living, dining, and outdoor realms, while the warmth of wood in the intimate areas fosters a sense of belonging. White walls and marble surfaces amplify the dance of light, enhancing the perception of space and purity.
Ostra House is a meditation on spatial boundaries, an exploration of form and function that transcends the ordinary. This architectural opus, with its fluid lines and balanced proportions, invites a lived experience defined by harmony and connection. The result is a residence that not only shelters but also inspires, offering a sanctum where every moment is imbued with grace.
