Located on one of the islands of the colonial city of Paraty and Angra dos Reis (between São Paulo and Rio de Janerio) is the Paraty House by Marcio Kogan Architects and also this week’s most loved post on AnOther Loves as chosen by AnOther
Located on one of the islands of the colonial city of Paraty and Angra dos Reis (between São Paulo and Rio de Janerio) is the Paraty House by Marcio Kogan Architects and also this week’s most loved post on AnOther Loves as chosen by AnOther photographic assistant Olena Slyesarenko. The residential masterpiece consists of two reinforced concrete boxes, which sit atop one another, connected on the island’s mountainside. Like two modern prisms between the large colossal stones of the Brazilian coast, the building balances beautifully with the topography of the land. Made out of concrete and stone with wooden accents and an open-to-nature floorplan, this construction is architecture at its very finest. Incredible inside and out: the entire top of the house is covered in terraces – used as observation decks for the residents, and as a garden for sculptures, medicinal plants and edible herbs – whilst the internal area, which has a 27m span and huge glass seaview windows, is furnished with a collection of 20th century design, including works by numerous well-known artists.
Although comparisons could perhaps be drawn with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, 1936-1939, Mill Run, Pennyslvania, the attention to detail that Marcio Kogan Archiects have employed is utterly unique: after residents arrive by boat and have stepped out onto the sand, a metallic bridge positioned over a crystal-lined reflecting pool leads to a set of stairs connecting to the lower volume. The building itself, projects outwards from the mountain, almost onto the beach in an 8m cantilever – giving residents the feeling that they are on the sandy shoreline. And in the front part of the house, retractile panels of eucalyptus sticks protect the bedrooms from the sun – seamlessly blending nature with the living space.
Adding an entirely new meaning to ‘dream house’ and 'summer getaway' we speak to Slyesarenko about what her perfect dwelling would be and who she would imagine to live in a place like Paraty House.
What made you love this Paraty House by Marcio Kogan Architects?
It is perfect internally and externally and whilst looking simple and minimal it has a complex idea and solution behind it. Unlike many modern buildings, it seems to actually be inviting and livable. The main thing, of course, is the fact that it's embedded in the mountain and whilst blending in with the untouched nature of Brazil it throws flashes of colour in real spirit of the Rio Carnival.
Who would you imagine to live in a place like this?
It would have to be a narco-baron with immaculate taste and appreciation of art... with a number of gunned guards of course. There must be a scandalous side to this perfection.
Are you a fan of any other architecture – what and why?
Moroccan architecture and all the culture it embodies. It is a fantastic combination of earthy decor with rich and intricate details. I love the overwhelming amount of copper and exotic ornaments, particularly in the bathing rooms and pools which have beautifully, colourful tiles. Also it has got a great space and atmospheric light with the whole Yves Saint Laurent spirit.
Where has been your favourite place to stay and why?
My parent's flat in Yalta, Ukraine. Overlooking the Black Sea and surrounded with pine trees it is heaven on Earth. But also, most importantly, it makes me feel at home, while carrying a holiday resort vibe.
What would your dream house be like and where would it be?
I would have to find a way to move Calvin Klein's house from Miami to New York. I find it slightly understated in a very charming and chic way. It's amazing how space and light can carry so much character without the aid of furniture or any decoration and that's the beauty of that house.
What kind of style would you furnish it in?
It would be very simple and clean with an emphasis on individual vintage and designer furniture pieces, particularly Danish sofas and armchair from 50s-60s period in combination with stunning contemporary salvaged wood designs by John Houshmand and Gursan Ergil. I specially love this bed and table by Houshmand and the earthy bench by Ergil. A final touch would be Giacometti's paintings and sculptures and some drawings by Modigliani. Not too ambitious, is it?
What was the last thing you bought?
Death and the Penguin, a novel by Andrey Kurkov. It sounds very intriguing and surreal. It's been a very long time since I discovered great Ukrainian literature, so I have my hopes up for this one.
Text by Lucia Davies
