Casa R|L

Leandro Moraes

• Architects

Designed by architect Mayra Casalli, the residence in Pouso Alegre, Brazil, embraces striking volumetry, inclined pillars, and sophisticated materiality to create an imposing and timeless composition.

Transforming challenges into architectural identity was the starting point for Casa R|L, a single-family residence designed by Casalli Arquitetura, led by architect Mayra Casalli. Located in Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, the 300-square-meter home emerged from a site with unconventional setbacks and irregular contours, which guided the project toward a singular architectural solution marked by cantilevers, asymmetries, and a strong structural expression.

photo_credit Leandro Moraes — Leandro Moraes

With a contemporary and sculptural language, the residence explores volumetry as the protagonist of the composition. Pure lines, large monolithic planes, and exposed structural elements help shape an architecture that is both imposing and sophisticated, while maintaining a sense of lightness. “The greatest challenge of this project was transforming the site’s limitations into architectural potential. Instead of hiding the irregularities of the plot, we decided to highlight them and make them the essence of the composition,” explains Mayra Casalli.

The façade became one of the residence’s main highlights, especially due to the design of the inclined pillars and the structural cutouts that follow the geometry of the terrain. The solution creates movement and visual dynamism, reinforcing the home’s contemporary identity.

Castelatto’s concrete slatted panels appear as a defining material element, creating depth, texture, and a sophisticated interplay of light and shadow across the façade. The combination of exposed concrete and wood-inspired finishes reinforces the contrast between robustness and warmth. “Materiality played a fundamental role in the project. We wanted the concrete to appear in an elegant and timeless way, creating an architecture that feels strong, yet also welcoming and sensory,” highlights Mayra Casalli.

The layout was designed to enhance fluidity, spaciousness, and integration between indoor and outdoor spaces. The main entrance is accessed through a double-height hall that leads seamlessly and elegantly into the living and dining areas. Adjacent to these spaces, the kitchen and gourmet area were conceived as independent environments, while still allowing integration to accommodate different moments in the family’s daily life.

On the upper floor, the private area comprises four suites, including the master suite facing the front façade of the residence. The daughters’ bedrooms were positioned with views toward the leisure area and landscaping, reinforcing the visual connection with the home’s open spaces.

Another distinctive aspect of the project lies in the way the structure integrates with the architectural language. The inclined pillars and structural cantilevers required meticulous technical development between design and construction to ensure visual balance, lightness, and grandeur in the composition. “There is a very clear intention to transform structure into architectural expression. The inclined pillars were designed not only to support the building, but also to create identity, movement, and personality for the residence,” states Mayra Casalli.

With approximately three years dedicated to design and construction, Casa R|L embodies the signature approach of Casalli Arquitetura, defined by contemporary, minimalist, and structurally expressive architecture, where technique, materiality, and sophistication coexist in harmony.