Bloco Arquitetos has revitalized and expanded a residential project in Brazil by adding brick cladding and two steel pavilions. Located in Lago Sul, a community near central Brasilia, the original buildings on the site featured exposed concrete grids wrapped around them. This distinctive element remains a defining feature of the updated structure, which is now called the “Grid Residence.”
The original owner intended to construct a larger two-story residence covering 350 square meters, according to the architect. However, financial constraints led to building only the full foundation and a single-story structure occupying 150 square meters. Before any further expansion could take place, the house was sold.
In Lago Sul, residential buildings are often demolished and redesigned. Bloco Arquitetos chose to preserve the original structure and some existing walls. Since the original building’s footprint was insufficient for the new design, a new concrete grid was introduced. Due to the irregular layout of the original foundation, columns, and beams, the new grid follows an “imaginary” growth pattern inspired by the existing structure. This grid is supported by both the original foundation and new footings, employing two column cross-sections: 40×40 cm and 40×15 cm.
The new concrete grid acts as a structural graft, linking old and new walls while supporting expansion elements, the design team explained. Brick cladding is applied with varying openings strategically placed to reduce sunlight exposure and enhance privacy. This approach echoes the design philosophy found in the Ascar Americano residence by Brazilian modernist architect Oswaldo Bratke (1907–1997). The two newly added steel pavilions accommodate additional service spaces such as a garage, outdoor kitchen, and sauna.
△ Original site condition
△ Original site condition
△ Original site condition
△ Original site condition
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Section diagram
△ Shape evolution
Project Information
Project Name: Grid Residence
Location: Brasilia, Brazil
Area: 410 square meters / 4,413 square feet
Designers: Daniel Mangabeira, Henrique Coutinho, and Matheus Seco
Collaborators: Tatiana Slope, Victor Machado, and Guilherme Mahana
Construction Contractor: Vítor Odísio Engenharia
Photography by Haruo Mikami
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