Full of Inspiration, 239 House by UNA BV Is More Than Just a Design with Lush Trees

Anabata Media · July 15th, 2022

The 50-year-old 'Jabuticabeira' fruit tree and the 239 House have become an inseparable unity. With great honor, this house is designed as if it is carrying a tree that grows in the middle of the plot.

239 House stands under the lush trees that grow around it.

Moreover, in the design of 239 Houses, UNA barbara e valentim (UNA BV) also made use of the large trees around it. Such as Tipuanas, Jerivás, Palmeiras, and Pitangueiras trees that are allowed to grow along the edges of the site. So that the house, which is located in São Paulo, Brazil, seems to be shaded by lush trees. Furthermore, the green image of the leaves was passed on to the interior of the house through glass windows of twice the height.

The Jabuticabeira tree grows in the courtyard of 239 House as if it was embraced by the two wings.

A wide and high opening connects the interior of the house with the courtyard of 239 House.

However, by UNA BV, the house was not designed to be that limited. Many of the architectural elements of this project are the result of reference works of precedents of the 20th century, especially of influential modernist architects. An example is Alvar Aalto's experimental house, Muuratsalo, which inspired the presence of a surrounded patio. 239 House has a space organization that produces two wings and a central courtyard. Such a design allows the morning sunlight to bathe each space in both wings facing each other while forming the effect of two different structures.

Because the rooms on the first floor open directly to the courtyard, a surrounding terrace is formed.

The pool and rooftop terrace are the perfect places to enjoy the city views.

Then, there is also the inspiration from Vila Dall'ava by OMA which is reflected through the narrow swimming pool on the roof of 239 House. From the pond and terrace on this roof, residents of the house can enjoy the treetops as a canopy and view of the city at one time. In addition, UNA BV also takes references from Le Corbusier's Maison Jaoul to produce wood-framed openings and irregular dimensions. The fairly large wooden area then intersects with concrete as a material for its weight. Meanwhile, the opening of the dining room to all sides is also an attempt to commemorate Breuer's little-known homes on Cape Cod.

The facade of 239 House shows very clearly, the intersection between wood and concrete materials.