MCZ House

Yuri Miranda

MCZ House _ Integration of architecture with the natural environment in the city of Cristais Paulista_Brazil

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MCZ House in Cristais Paulista

The abundant quantity of quartz crystals mixed with the gravel found in the region, and the existence of a stream called Cristais Paulista, justify the name given to the quiet town of just over 7,000 inhabitants. The project, led by architects Yuri Miranda and Douglas Costa from NIU Arquitetura, based in the city of Franca, had the premise that the rooms of the house should open up to the view.

photo_credit Yuri Miranda — Yuri Miranda

The 399.63 m2 Casa MCZ integrates architecture with the natural surrondings, with a proposal that favours the view and the direct relationship between the internal and external environments. The project was designed so that every room in the house - from the garage to the office and suites - can enjoy the views of the garden and the horizon, highlighting the wide width of the plot of almost 50 metres.

By opting for a single block, parallel to the access road and the back garden, the project eliminated the need for front walls. In addition, the parallel layout made construction easier due to the sloping topography, avoiding major earthworks and optimising resources.

The front façade, made up of heavy and more closed elements, offers privacy, while the back is light and open, aimed at leisure and contact with nature. This balance between robustness and lightness reinforces the concept of cosiness, which is essential for a house that is reminiscent of the country style. Natural materials such as stone, wood, concrete, brises soleil and ceramic tiles were specified to bring beauty and comfort, while keeping maintenance practical.

With the suites on the ground floor, the floor above encompasses the entire social and leisure area, allowing residents to make the most of the almost 360-degree view. The swimming pool was carefully designed to be at the level of the social area, not becoming an obstacle and allowing more privacy for those who use it. The landscaping of the garden was one of the pillars of the project. Carried out by Sapucaia Paisagismo, it took into account factors such as the climate, topography, natural lighting and the specific needs of the site.

Species suitable for the climate and soil of the site were selected, also taking into account the desired aesthetics and the maintenance time required for the space. The living area was designed to facilitate the circulation of people around the deck and pool. The harmonious integration of the garden around the house becomes a living and natural extension of the building itself, creating an effect where architecture and nature dialogue, designed so that the house ‘emerges’ from the garden, giving the feeling that both coexist naturally.