Chácara Santa Helena: A

Harmonious Blend of Nature

and Contemporary Living

Name : Harsh Singh

Enr. No. : 21A1A015
INTRODUCTION
CLIENT • Chácara Santa Helena is an oasis nestled in the
Antonio Esteve, Chácara Santa
LOCATION bustling city of São Paulo, Brazil. It stands out
Chácara Santa Helena; old Plantation in as a large piece of the lush and diverse Mata
Alta Boa Vista, São Paulo
SITE
Atlantica, making it a unique and beautiful
Plots in Chácara Santa Helena, total of site. The abundance of trees and various
25.000m2, masterplan by Isay Weinfeld, species adds to the richness of this
landscape design by Renata Tilli
AREA exceptional location.
300m2-700m2
YEAR
2014
PROGRAMME
Design of private residences for
Condominium Chácara Santa Helena
 DESIGN CONCEEPT
• The house's design is a thoughtful fusion of
contemporary living, traditional Brazilian house building
elements, and the openness and attention to detail seen
in Scandinavian architecture. The core of the design
philosophy is to integrate nature seamlessly into the
living space.
Key elements of the concept:
• Nature at the Heart: The central garden is the heart of the house and serves as
the organizing element for the entire dwelling. It acts as a continuous shared
space, connecting various areas of the house.
• Reinterpretation of Traditional Villa: Inspired by traditional Brazilian villas with
open patios for ventilation and light, Chácara Santa Helena takes this concept
further by transforming the central patio into a central garden.
• Contemporary Family Living: The design caters to the needs of a contemporary
family, emphasizing shared spaces that foster togetherness.
• Living with and in Nature: The enclosed garden blurs the boundary between
indoor and outdoor living. It becomes an integral part of the house, offering
opportunities to enjoy nature day and night. This connection with the natural
environment fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and creates a serene living
experience.
• Exterior and Interior Harmony: The exterior design features light materials, with
the exterior walls serving as functional furniture for storage. In contrast, the
interior embraces a soft and organic design, enhancing the connection with
nature and providing a welcoming and comfortable living environment.
 CENTRAL GARDEN
• At the heart of the house is a central garden, acting as the focal
point and organizing element for the entire dwelling. This garden
creates a continuous shared space, cleverly connecting and
separating various functional areas within the house.
The central garden in Chácara Santa Helena is a defining feature
that serves as the heart of the house. It is strategically positioned
at the core of the dwelling and acts as the primary organizing
element, connecting and separating different living spaces. The
garden blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor areas,
providing a visually appealing backdrop and fostering a strong
connection with nature. It offers natural light and ventilation,
creating a refreshing and airy atmosphere. The lush greenery and
calming ambiance of the garden make it a tranquil sanctuary,
perfect for relaxation and family gatherings day and night. Overall,
the central garden embodies the concept of integrating nature into
contemporary living, enriching the overall living experience.
 Reinterpretation of Brazilian Villa
• Taking inspiration from traditional Brazilian villas, Chácara Santa
Helena reinterprets the concept of an open patio in the center for
ventilation and light. This reinterpretation expands the idea,
transforming the central patio into a central garden that defines the
entire house.
 Contemporary Family Living
• The house is designed to meet the needs of a contemporary family lifestyle. The
shared space is prioritized and revolves around the internal patio. This innovative
arrangement connects and separates living areas, including the kitchen, library,
playroom, office, and private quarters, fostering a sense of togetherness while
maintaining individual spaces.

Chácara Santa Helena emphasizes contemporary

family living through shared spaces, versatile
functional areas, and a harmonious connection
with nature. The design facilitates family
interactions, provides privacy when needed, and
adapts to evolving lifestyle needs.
 Living with Nature
Chácara Santa Helena embodies the concept of "living with nature." The design seamlessly integrates the natural
environment into the living spaces, promoting a harmonious coexistence with the surrounding lush Mata
Atlantica. Here's a concise summary of living with nature in Chácara Santa Helena:
• Nature-Centric Design: The house is built with a focus on nature, positioning the central garden as the heart
of the dwelling and organizing the living areas around it.
• Indoor-Outdoor Connection: Large windows and glass doors blur the boundaries between the interior and the
garden, allowing residents to enjoy the changing seasons and natural elements throughout the day.
• Tranquil Oasis: The garden serves as a peaceful sanctuary, providing a serene and calming environment amidst
the bustling city of São Paulo.
• Natural Light and Ventilation: The garden acts as a source of natural light and ventilation, creating a refreshing
and airy atmosphere within the house.
• Day and Night Enjoyment: The garden is designed to be enjoyed day and night, with artificial lighting
transforming it into an enchanting space for gatherings and celebrations.
• Sustainable Living: By integrating with nature, Chácara Santa Helena promotes sustainable living and a deeper
appreciation for the environment.
 Exterior Design

The house's exterior is characterized by

the creative use of materials. The exterior
walls serve as large furniture pieces for
storage, blending functionality with
aesthetics. Wooden mesh-work screens
are employed to create a distinct
appearance, contributing to the overall
design harmony.
 conclusion
• Chácara Santa Helena is a truly exceptional architectural marvel that brings the serenity of nature into the heart
of São Paulo, Brazil. Situated within the lush Mata Atlantica, this oasis stands as a harmonious blend of
contemporary living, Brazilian house building traditions, and Scandinavian design principles.
• At the center of the house lies the captivating central garden, which acts as the organizing element, creating
continuous shared space while connecting and separating different living areas. The reinterpretation of the
traditional Brazilian villa concept expands into a unique and integrated living experience.
• Designed with the contemporary family in mind, Chácara Santa Helena prioritizes shared spaces and fosters
togetherness while still providing individual quarters for privacy. The house serves as a testament to living with
and in nature, with the enclosed garden seamlessly becoming a part of daily life.
• The exterior of the house exhibits creative use of materials, with functional walls doubling as furniture for storage
and wooden mesh screens contributing to the distinctive appearance. In contrast, the interior embraces soft and
organic design elements, promoting a deep connection with the natural surroundings.