A stunning residential project completed in 2024 demonstrates how modern architecture can seamlessly blend with natural surroundings while prioritizing family gatherings and social interaction. The JF Residence, designed by KG Studio + Associates, sits on a 700-square-meter plot in a condominium in São José do Rio Preto, in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil.
The 600-square-meter residence spans two floors and was specifically conceived to enhance conviviality with family and friends. The architectural proposal seeks to balance integration and privacy through ample and connected spaces that comfortably and practically meet daily demands. The gentle slope of the lot allowed for a fluid and well-resolved implementation that takes advantage of the natural topography.
The architecture is distinguished by two longitudinal stone-clad gables that structure and organize the interior spaces. This pair of striking elements supports the upper volume, which rests lightly on the base, creating a sense of architectural weightlessness. The design approach emphasizes both structural clarity and visual elegance through this distinctive compositional strategy.
On the street-facing façade, privacy is carefully preserved through opaque panels on the ground floor and wooden brises on the upper level. This design choice creates a sense of enclosure and intimacy from the public realm. In dramatic contrast, at the back of the residence, the house opens generously to the garden and landscape through large glass frames that promote direct integration between interior and exterior spaces.
The material palette reinforces the dialogue with the natural surroundings through the extensive use of wood and stone, creating a welcoming and warm atmosphere throughout the residence. These natural materials not only provide aesthetic appeal but also establish a strong connection between the built environment and the landscape.
On the ground floor, the organization of spaces follows the axis defined by the structural gables. On one side, areas dedicated to services such as the kitchen and laundry, in addition to the gourmet area, are concentrated for functional efficiency. On the opposite side, living and social areas are positioned to maximize interaction and entertainment possibilities.
Continuous white cabinetry cleverly mimics the doors that provide access to support and service areas, ensuring visual unity throughout the ground floor. In the opposite wing, the same architectural language is maintained through a custom-made furniture piece that extends from the entrance to the veranda, organizing multiple activities by housing the TV area, support niches, storage areas, and a sideboard.
The interior design incorporates a carefully curated collection of furniture that brings together both national and international design pieces. Notable highlights include the iconic Tunico armchairs by renowned Brazilian designer Sérgio Rodrigues and the sophisticated Amorfa coffee table by Arthur Casas. The lighting design is enhanced by elegant pendants and luminaires from the Italian brand Astep, which complement the overall aesthetic ensemble.
The staircase represents a particularly striking architectural feature, positioned strategically over an internal garden to connect the two floors with both lightness and visual prominence. The wooden steps appear to be embedded directly into the wall, creating a dramatic sense of suspension and architectural poetry. A zenithal opening positioned over the double-height ceiling allows abundant natural light to enter from above, illuminating both the circulation area and partially the living room below.
On the upper floor, the bedrooms are thoughtfully protected by wooden brises while maintaining generous openings towards the surrounding landscape. Walnut cabinetry appears selectively in headboards and sideboards, creating a harmonious contrast with the lighter tones used on other surfaces throughout the residence.
The comprehensive landscaping design surrounds the entire residence, exploring both ground-level flowerbeds and elevated planters positioned on the upper verandas. Hanging foliage species further reinforce the integration of the house with the surrounding natural environment, creating layers of greenery that soften the architectural forms.
Large openings throughout the residence favor cross-ventilation and ensure abundant natural light penetration, resulting in fresh and pleasant environments that are ideal for leisure activities and social conviviality. The project successfully demonstrates how contemporary residential architecture can respond to climate conditions while creating spaces that enhance quality of life and family interaction.
