Located in Curitiba, in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil, this 800 m² residence was designed for a family of five: a couple of lawyers with three children who were seeking a home centered on connection and well-being. From the moment they chose the plot, their desire for a spacious and integrated house led them to Caroline Andrusko Arquitetos, the firm responsible for both the architectural and interior design projects. The team oversaw every stage of the construction through to completion.
The project was based on the idea that architecture should serve as an extension of the family, reflecting their habits, affections, and lifestyle. With clean lines, pure volumes, and open-plan environments, the house expresses the close relationship between space and experience, creating atmospheres that encourage comfort, interaction, and contemplation.
The design emphasizes flexible layouts, a strong connection with the surrounding landscape, and a harmonious blend of materials and textures. A multi-level volumetric composition creates proximity between residents, even when they are in different parts of the house. Expansive openings, visual transparency, interconnecting planes, and natural materials such as wood, stone, and marble reinforce the project’s sensitive and contemporary identity.
One of the main challenges was the lot’s topography, which features a significant elevation drop from the front to the back. The solution was to create different levels, including a mezzanine and double-height ceilings in the social areas. This approach allowed for a fluid connection between interior and exterior spaces while making room for a large leisure area, a key priority for the family.
The layout was carefully designed to ensure a seamless and integrated experience. A double-height entrance hall leads to the living area, which also features high ceilings. A staircase connects to the mezzanine, where the home office and cinema are located, and to the upper floor, which houses the bedrooms and gym. On the ground floor, the guest suite, powder room, living and dining rooms are complemented by large glazed openings that connect to the outdoor area. The backyard features a pool, bar, jacuzzi, and open-air lounge. The kitchen is directly connected to the gourmet space, which opens onto the exterior through wide glass doors. On the upper floor, three suites and a gym are organized to offer both functionality and a welcoming atmosphere.
Lighting plays a key role in the project, creating continuity across the architectural layout. Light paths, shadow effects, and smart automation systems contribute to both aesthetics and efficiency. Delicate fabrics and textured curtains between glass panels help filter natural light, ensuring thermal and visual comfort throughout the day. In the social area, a metal bookcase with a back panel of stretched mesh functions as a luminous sculpture, blending curatorship and design in a standout feature.
Highlights of the project include the use of mashrabiyas, which cast dynamic light and shadow patterns over the course of the day. Wooden ceilings and columns enhance the dialogue between interior and exterior, while natural stones at the entrance and leisure areas, along with the sculptural Nuvolato marble staircase, add a touch of sophistication. Every space was curated with attention to textures, colors, and tactile sensations in line with the family’s personality and lifestyle.
Sustainability was embedded in the project from the outset. The house features solar panels, a pool reheating system, and a full automation system for temperature, lighting, ventilation, and curtains, promoting thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Another key element is the emotional curatorship that runs throughout the home. Design pieces, artworks, and carefully chosen materials reflect the family's values. A meaningful example is the artwork by Brazilian artist Gonçalo Ivo, which evokes sunlight and holds deep personal significance for the homeowner, reinforcing the emotional connection between the architecture and the people who live in it.
