Prisma House

The sense of urban disorder perceived while walking along Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima gradually dissolves as one enters the adjacent residential streets. It is within this transitional context that Casa Prisma is located. The main façade draws little attention from those hurrying past, revealing only fragments of its multifaceted interior. There are, however, a few clues as to what awaits: above, a perforated concrete block element suggests that the house contains a number of surprising features. From the sidewalk, the perception of its volumetry is restrained yet distinctive—an effect achieved through the intentional staggering of volumes. In an urban setting marked by aggressive façades, Casa Prisma’s approach, rooted in a notion of “non-architecture,” seeks to create more complex and intimate spaces while preserving the urban horizon.

The first prism of the house appears right at the entrance, in a kind of spatial deviation from the slatted metal gate. This incision invites the visitor in, guided by a reflecting pool that adds movement and softens the rigidity of the honed basalt flooring—the predominant stone throughout the house. Upon entering through the main door, the visitor is welcomed by a gallery corridor that houses part of the art collection of the owner, a specialist in Fine Arts. This gallery establishes the home’s first spatial distribution: on one side, the owner’s office, an environment that is secluded yet still connected to the house; on the other, access to the social areas. The gallery is further highlighted by a circular zenithal opening shaped like an inverted volcano, allowing natural light during the day and artificial light at night.

The spacious living room enjoys privileged views of the pool garden and features a bespoke bar composed of an interplay of glass and mirrors. This space connects to the dining room through a double-sided fireplace. Between these two social areas lies the main prism—one of the house’s unexpected internal gardens. These indoor gardens allow for natural light and ventilation while creating surprising geometries, once again pursuing architecture through the creation of voids, breaking away from the rigidity and orthogonality of a conventional residential layout.

Leisure areas such as the veranda, gourmet space, and game room are as generous as the social areas. Although these large spaces are internally separated, they connect externally through the pool garden. Service and support areas are easily accessible and complete the ground floor program.

A discreet staircase leads to the upper floor, where the family’s private quarters are located. This level, which also incorporates a generous garden with Mexican references, is partially rotated and set back in relation to the ground floor, creating the illusion of being at ground level. Here again, the spaces result from the careful staggering of Casa Prisma’s volumetry.

In terms of materiality, in contrast to the honed basalt flooring of the ground floor, the upper level is dominated by lighter tones: Tauari wood flooring and washed Freijó wood furnishings create a light and welcoming atmosphere. The interior walls are smooth and white, while the exterior walls receive a textured finish that enhances the building’s material expression. Openings on the upper floor are reinterpreted on the ground floor, revealing new perspectives and promoting a play of light and geometry throughout the day that makes each space unique. Like the natural light, the artificial lighting was designed by the architectural office, prioritizing not only functionality but also the enhancement of spatial volumetry. Finally, the curation of furniture and artworks was meticulously carried out by the office in partnership with the owners, ensuring that Casa Prisma’s originality is expressed in every designed detail.

TECHNICAL DATA

Location: São Paulo, SP – Brazil
Start: 2021
Completion: 2024
Built Area: 300 m²
Status: Built
Project Type: Residential

Architecture: Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos
Architecture Team: Domingos Pascali, Sarkis Semerdjian, Fábio Rudnik, Rodrigo Guerra, Suzana Knobel, Tali Liberman, Leopoldo Schettino, João Paulo Machado

Interiors: Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos
Construction Company: Construmar Engenharia

Hydraulic and Electrical Engineering: MVF Engenharia de Projetos S/C Ltda
Structural Design: Benedictis Engenharia

Metalwork: DIX METAL
HVAC (Climate Control): LogiProject
Automation: Futura
Stonework: Euromarble
Millwork: D’França Móveis
Glasswork: Vidros Queiroz
Landscape Design: Renata Tilli
Window Systems: Lumisystem
Upholstery: Villa Remate
Curtains: Toque Final Cortinas

Micasa: armchairs and living room sofa, coffee table, dining table and chairs
Rugs: Phenicia Concept

Photographer: Fran Parente