Header: Fran Parente
Casa Lego was born from a family’s desire to live in an urban, cosmopolitan São Paulo without giving up the feeling of being surrounded by greenery, light and silence. Designed by architect Fernanda Marques, the residence unfolds as an encounter between nature, light, and architecture across its 1,390 m².
Just like a kid’s game
With this idea in mind, the plan began to take shape as a set of pieces fitted together. This is where the name Casa Lego comes from: a house made from distinct blocks that interlock and balance one another, creating openings, shaded areas and more protected spaces.
“The architecture of the house is assembled in multiple blocks (some taller, others cantilevered), which immediately reminded me of the structures we built as children with Lego pieces. Those early experiments about what was possible to raise and still keep standing resonate here. It is a house that delicately explores the theme of balance.”
Fernanda Marques
Walking through this family home
The ground floor is defined by the constant presence of garden areas, which spill into the interiors and connect the house to the greenery outside. On the north-facing façades of the second floor, natural light bathes both social and private areas, filtered through slatted wooden brise-soleils that enhance cross-ventilation.
The lighting design was conceived to be discreet, having been embedded within the wooden slats. It was intentionally designed to draw the eye toward focal points, highlighting textures and volumes.
“Light is as essential a material as steel or wood. It shapes space, reveals textures, and brings architecture to life.”
Marques
The furnishings complement the architecture with focal points of colour and form. Neutral-toned pieces balance the lush vegetation and the delicacy of natural materials; travertine marble covers the floors and the swimming pool (which is visible from nearly the entire ground level), while moledo stone envelops the social areas.
“I’m drawn to this idea of effortless sophistication… a beauty that doesn’t impose itself but slowly reveals itself as your gaze moves through the spaces.”
Marques
Infusing the home with Brazilian art
Working together with the architecture, the artworks play an essential role in shaping the ambience, acting as both visual highlights and infusers of style. Some pieces belonged to the homeowners, while others were selected during the design process to enrich the collection. Some significant names in contemporary Brazilian art can be found between the walls of Casa Lego, such as Armarinhos Teixeira, Túlio Pinto, José Patrício and the striking Beatriz Milhazes.
Casa Lego and sustainability
Naturally, the relationship between the project and nature led to conscious choices in both the planning process and the final design: strategic site placement, cross-ventilation, abundant natural light and the use of local, durable materials reduce energy consumption and minimise the need for air-conditioning.
Project information
Lead Designer: Fernanda Marques
Date: 2025
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Area: 1,390 m²
