Remodelled by Brazilian architect Guilherme Torres, this building is originally a 1940's construction and the former home to Victor Brecheret, famed Italian-Brazilian artist and sculptor. After his death in the 1950's, for decades it served as a foundation of part of his collection and a deposit, being then acquired and re-designed by Torres as his own home and work space.

The premise was to update the building, reflecting Torres' contemporary language and preserving the basic structure. The floor plan hasn't suffered many changes, mainly openings and finishing materials. The addition of a retractable glass roof, to be opened on summer days, helps to maintain a mild climate. The latticed wooden structure, descendant of the arabic mashrabiya, is an element often used in contemporary Brazilian architecture to assuage the strong sunlight. It follows the same pattern of the doorway structure, a striking element in the building's composition. High in the façade, there is a neon piece by artist Pinky Wainer that reads: Land of the free, home of the brave.

The combination of latticed structures and simple, geometric architecture is a very particular feature of contemporary Brazilian architecture, one I always enjoy finding. All the natural light filtering into the house gives it a light and airy feel... I'm particularly fond of that kitchen!

Photography by Denilson Machado.