Header: Fran Parente
In a quiet residential corner of São Paulo, Brazil, the Ibsen House offers a different perspective on how a home can function. Designed by MFMM Arquitetura with landscaping by Rodrigo Oliveira Paisagismo, the project moves away from the traditional idea of closing rooms off with solid walls. Instead, the design team prioritised open spaces where people can hang out together while still finding spots for some alone time.
The structure avoids heavy reliance on fixed partitions. To separate different areas, the architects used large sliding panels and massive vertical gardens. This choice fills the house with greenery and light, making the layout feel flexible rather than rigid. The goal was to build a space that works just as well for big gatherings as it does for quiet relaxation, using the tropical Brazilian vegetation to add warmth and a natural touch to every corner.
The pool takes centre stage
The heart of the property is undoubtedly the pool. The entire house is organised around it, making the water visible from almost every room. It feels like it is both inside and outside at the same time, anchoring the different volumes of the house.
Directly above the water sits the master suite. This room features a massive floor-to-ceiling opening that changes the character of the space entirely, depending on how you use it. A large slatted wood panel slides horizontally across the opening. When you slide it shut, the room is completely private and dark. When you slide it open, the frame supporting the panel acts like a suspended deck, removing any barrier between the bed and the pool below. To keep prying eyes away when the room is open, a lush vertical garden sits right across from the suite.
On the ground level, a solarium with four large lounge chairs sits next to the water, surrounded by thick tropical plants. This commitment to integrating nature into the build is likely a big reason why Rodrigo Oliveira’s work on this project picked up a BLT Built Design Award for Landscape Architecture.
Living areas and rooftop views
Opposite the master suite block is the social area, which holds the living and dining rooms. These spaces have panels running on long tracks that can slide completely out of the way. When open, the living room connects directly to the pool deck, letting air flow through the whole house. Above this social block, a wooden-clad box houses the office, which also opens up to overlook the rooms below.
For those who want a better view of the neighbourhood, a landscaped rooftop sits above the living areas. It is set up for leisure with a jacuzzi, dining table, and lounge chairs. It connects to a large sun terrace over the master suite block, linking the upper levels of the house together. Guest rooms are tucked away on this upper level as well, featuring big windows that look down onto the pool.
Hidden depths
While the upper floors are all about sunlight and greenery, the basement offers a completely different vibe. This area, known as the Redroom, is the house’s dedicated party zone. It features special acoustic treatment and red neon lighting that gives it a moody, club-like identity distinct from the rest of the home. The lower level is also practical, housing a fitness area and a spacious garage.
The Ibsen House shows how smart architecture can swap concrete for plants and fixed walls for moving panels. By placing the pool at the centre and wrapping the structure in tropical landscaping, MFMM Arquitetura and Rodrigo Oliveira created a home that feels open and connected to the outdoors, yet private enough for daily life. It is a space that adapts to the mood of its residents, whether they are hosting a party in the basement or reading by the vertical garden.
Project info
Landscape Design Company: Rodrigo Oliveira Paisagismo
Lead Designer: Rodrigo Oliveira
Design Team: Rodrigo Oliveira Landscape Team
Architecture Firm: MFMM Arquitetura
Photo credit: Fran Parente
Project Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Project Date: 2020
