Pilotis Residence: A Masterpiece of Modern Minimalist Design

Simone Mantovani's Award-Winning Design Embraces Topographical Challenges

The concept for the Pilotis Residence was born out of a dialogue with the topography. Mantovani saw the topographical challenge as an opportunity to separate the residence's functions into distinct volumes, each placed in the optimal location for maximum integration and flow. The final form of the residence appears as concrete blocks overlapped and floating over pilotis, a visual that is both intriguing and harmonious with its surroundings.

The Pilotis Residence is split into four different levels, each serving a specific function. This division, while practical, also adds to the sense of lightness and openness of the structure. The construction system used is concrete, chosen for its flexibility and openness, and glass panels for transparency. The use of wood alongside the concrete adds a warm feel and ties up the architectural language. The rooftop garden serves as an ecological resource, reducing the heat transmitted to the structure.

Located in a residential neighborhood in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Pilotis residence spans 700 square meters, distributed over four different levels. The main floor is elevated above the street level, providing both security and privacy for the residents. Access to the house is through a large external stair or an internal stair and elevator, leading to an open space fully integrated into the garden, terrace, and pool.

The design process for the Pilotis Residence was a meticulous one, with a focus on integrating the house's various levels and maintaining the flow of the whole house. The main challenge was to accommodate all the programs in such a steep terrain, fitting necessities, providing comfort, practicality, and privacy. The solution was to distribute the project in four levels, creating a plateau where all social activities could be held.

The Pilotis Residence design embraced the singular characteristics of its steep terrain, creating an aesthetic movement of asymmetrical volumes positioned in different levels and functions, in a modern and minimalist concept. These blocks, in concrete, were overlapped as if floating over the street level, minimizing the height of the construction. The integration of all social activities on a main level, surrounded by gardens, brought functionality and much comfort. Few internal walls and large open spaces maximized the glass panels transparency and the contrast between wood and concrete.

Simone Mantovani's Pilotis Residence is a testament to the power of innovative design to transform challenges into strengths. It's a design that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, a true masterpiece of modern minimalist design. The Pilotis Residence not only stands as a testament to Mantovani's design prowess but also serves as an inspiration for designers worldwide.