Casa Gerassi, Modernist residence in Butantã, São Paulo, Brazil
Casa Gerassi is a modernist house in Butantã with a suspended main floor supported by four concrete pillars. The ground level remains open, containing only the staircase and a swimming pool.
Paulo Mendes da Rocha designed this house between 1988 and 1991, using prefabrication as a core method. This technique built on approaches the architect had developed earlier in the 1960s.
The elevated design lets air and light flow beneath the living spaces, shaping how occupants experience the relationship between indoors and outdoors. The open ground level encourages a flowing use of the whole property.
The elevated structure gives visitors a clear view of how living and outdoor areas are laid out. The central skylight provides natural light and helps guide how the interior spaces are used.
The entire structure was assembled in just two and a half days using prefabricated concrete elements sourced from industrial catalogs. This rapid construction method shows an innovative approach to streamlining the building process.
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