Casa Pátio by ARQUEA ARQUITETOS. Located within a residential condominium in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, this 250-square-meter residence was carefully crafted to create an integrated and easy-to-navigate space. Despite the proximity to neighboring homes, the property on a hilltop offers stunning views. In addition, the spacious lot allowed the entire program to be located on a single floor, a crucial design element. Photography by Federico Cairoli.

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The intimate area of the home is located at the bottom of the lot, ensuring privacy for the bedrooms while maximizing exposure to the northern sun. The service sector is situated in the front of the property, adjacent to the street, and seamlessly connects to the intimate area by the social sector. The garage and laundry room are situated on the blind facade of the house, ensuring that the focus remains on the central patio and minimizing the need to look out onto the street.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a large concrete ramp and two ipês, one purple and yellow, marking the pedestrian entrance. The central patio is the heart of the home, with the living and dining rooms, kitchen, and barbecue area all oriented around it. Large glass window frames open onto the square, transforming the space into an expansive veranda and creating an open-air room.

The forest of araucarias provides a background for the bedrooms and family room at the property’s rear. A second atrium leads to the main suite’s bathroom and a garden, providing natural light and ventilation. The small office in the intimate area features a vertical wooden sunshade, ensuring privacy while maintaining views of the garden and social area. The garden also boasts an outdoor fireplace, inviting guests to gather around the fire and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Sustainability is a key consideration throughout the design, with the implantation, form, and materials all selected to reduce the home’s carbon footprint. For example, the “C” shaped implantation maximizes natural light and heat from the sun, resulting in a passive solar home. In addition, we used local bricks and materials to minimize the environmental impact and collected rainwater for reuse throughout the house.

This courtyard house was designed as the architect’s dwelling, allowing for experimentation with layout and materials. Inspired by the work of Alvar Aalto, the design features subtle gestures that create a welcoming and hospitable environment.