Sandra Micaela Casinha Atelier’s “Patios of Petals” is a poetic exploration of the delicate interplay between nature and architecture. Inspired by the organic beauty of a flower, this house artfully combines structural innovation with natural elements, creating a living space that is both serene and expressive.
1. Architectural Poetry: The Flower as Inspiration
Drawing from Fernando Pessoa’s reflection that “flowers are all words that the earth says,” the house embodies the essence of a flower, rooted in the earth and nourished by sunlight. The design metaphorically captures the idea of petals enveloping a flower, with the upper floor of the house encircled by these protective elements.
The building touches the ground gently, supported by a large U-shaped glazing that forms the base of the structure. This glazing serves as both a literal and figurative foundation, allowing the house to sit lightly on the earth while creating a fluid connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
At the heart of the house lies a curved structural wall, symbolizing the core of the flower. This wall, along with the central staircase, defines the interior spaces, guiding movement through the house with an organic, flowing rhythm.
This concept of movement and circulation is similarly explored in the D+N2 House by DP+HS Architects, where the procession through the house is treated as a ritual, with spaces unfolding in a carefully choreographed sequence
The petals, represented by the upper floor’s curved walls, create openings and patios that further enhance the sense of natural integration. The use of three primary materials—white to delineate the petals, aluminum, and glass—ensures that the design remains focused on the purity of its organic inspiration.
2. Harmonious Material Palette
The material choices in the “Patios of Petals” house are carefully curated to reinforce the architectural concept. The lower floor, defined by its U-shaped glass structure, is a transparent base that allows the petals to hover above the ground.
The materials used here—glass, aluminum, and wood—are intentionally light, allowing the organic white volume of the upper floor to stand out as the main architectural expression.
Inside, the house continues to evoke a sense of natural tranquility. The curved structural wall not only organizes the space but also creates transitions that are both fluid and purposeful. The open-plan layout is designed to be versatile, with spaces that flow into one another while maintaining a sense of autonomy and privacy.
The continuity of the design from the ground floor to the upper floor is embodied by the staircase, which serves as the heart of the home, connecting the spaces in a seamless, natural progression.
3. Interior Design: A Reflection of Nature
The interior design of the “Patios of Petals” house mirrors the architectural concept, with a palette of pastel and raw colors that evoke the softness of petals and the warmth of natural materials. The furniture is chosen to enhance the peaceful ambiance of the space, with casual comfort and simplicity at the forefront.
Textiles in neutral tones are complemented by occasional splashes of pastel green, which tie into the kitchen furniture and living room wallpaper, creating a cohesive visual experience.
Natural elements are further emphasized through the use of bamboo in the coffee table, lamps, and vases. The inclusion of wicker and solid wood pieces, alongside dried flowers in shades of orange and lilac, reinforces the connection to nature.
The service bathroom introduces a touch of sophistication with accents of “old gold,” adding a subtle contrast to the otherwise earthy tones.
In the master suite, a four-poster bed accompanied by wooden bedside tables and wicker lamps creates a serene retreat, while the little girl’s room, with its cozy bed and large patio view, is a light-filled haven that invites warmth and joy.
4. A House Filled with Emotion and Life
“Patios of Petals” is more than just a home; it is a space designed to evoke emotion and celebrate life. The house’s urban landscape is inspired by the natural world, and its interior experience, though artificial, is deeply rooted in the natural environment.
This duality creates a living space that is both calming and invigorating, where laughter, dreams, and joys are expected to flourish.
The design’s commitment to integrating nature into every aspect of the house ensures that the “Patios of Petals” is not just an architectural achievement, but a home that breathes with life and emotion, much like the flowers that inspired its creation.
Conclusion
The “Patios of Petals” by Sandra Micaela Casinha Atelier is a masterful fusion of architecture and nature, where the structural elements of the house are seamlessly intertwined with the beauty of the natural world.
Through its thoughtful design, harmonious material palette, and nature-inspired interiors, this house offers a living experience that is as serene as it is expressive. It stands as a testament to the power of architecture to not only create spaces for living but also to cultivate environments that resonate with emotion and the essence of life itself.
Credits
Architects: Sandra Micaela Casinha ateliêr
Photographs: Ivo Tavares Studio
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