FGMF arquitetos revamps brazilian modernism with subtraction house

Subtraction House defined by absence

A residential neighborhood just outside São Paulo, Brazil sees the completion of Subtraction House, a contemporary home aptly named by its designers at FGMF Arquitetos for its unique concept. The residence can be found among the rolling hills of Quinta da Baroneza, challenges conventional notions of space and light, offering a captivating interplay between built form and nature. From the outset, the architects at FGMF sought to depart from the São Paulo School’s traditional emphasis on structure as the sole generator of space. Instead, they embarked on a bold experiment, starting with two theoretical exposed concrete planes elevated above the gently sloping plot. These planes defined the maximum possible footprint of the house.

images © Fran Parente

fgmf arquitetos plays with solid and void

The architects at FGMF Arquitetos explored various configurations to accommodate social, private, leisure, and service areas within Subtraction House. This ‘occupation’ between the planes then informed the placement of strategic cut-outs. These subtractions carved out walkways, voids for subterranean gardens, and pockets of light, all carefully planned within the original planes’ boundaries — hence the evocative name ‘Subtraction House.’ The resulting design is a dialogue between solid and void. The accentuated horizontality is punctuated by strategically placed voids, each meticulously positioned and associated with the staircases. These voids serve multiple purposes: offering diverse views, fostering visual connections between residents across different spaces, and allowing native plant-life to grow throughout the built space.

FGMF Arquitetos uses cut-outs in concrete planes to shape space and light

interiors infused with native plant-life

Built by FGMF Arquitetos with reinforced concrete molded on-site, Subtraction House exudes a modernist and minimalist aesthetic. Polished concrete floors and white-painted masonry further reinforce this theme, creating a clean and sophisticated backdrop for the interplay of light and shadow. The strategically positioned swimming pool atop the first roof slab serves as a visual counterpoint to the rigid geometry of the planes. Its glistening surface reflects the sunlight, adding a touch of serenity and dynamism to the overall composition. FGMF firmly believes that landscape design is an integral part of architecture. With Subtraction House, this philosophy is evident due to the integration of greenery throughout. From the outset, landscaping informed the spatial planning, complementing both the interiors and the surrounding gardens, merging the lines between the built and natural environments.

strategic voids connect residents and nature, offering diverse views and fostering a sense of openness
a small interior footprint contrasts with vast exterior areas, emphasizing the connection to the surrounding landscape
a top the roof slab, the pool breaks the rigidity with its reflective surface