Renovating the old M&M House: how they do it in Brazil. A project by Bonina Arquitetura, Sao Paulo

Today we have a trip to Brazil. I invite all visitors to this fascinating forum to consider the unusual construction of the M&M House. The house was built on the site of an old one in Sao Paulo by Bonina Arquitetura.

The architect used what was left of the old walls to create a complex of two apartments under one roof. The space of the old house was filled with stairs and passages. The three levels of the new structure now comfortably accommodate a large family.

An unusual solution to the spatial problems made it possible to preserve the yard for children’s games and squeeze a large dwelling into the narrow space between the neighboring houses. Lighting and functionality issues resolved. The project takes into account the habits of all family members. Plants have been preserved, of which there are fewer and fewer in the metropolis.

The same space from the side. A lightweight partition separates it from the yard. The shadow of a tree fell on her. So there is also a good opportunity for sunlight to make its way into the interior of the house.

Stylish staircase and transitions that connected the two parts of the structure. The metal base and the wood. Below, the wooden planking is placed on the stones exactly below the upper transitions.

The transition on the second level. You can see a piece of the garage and a bicycle hanging on the rear wall. The habit of saving space remained, so a special hook was made for the bicycle.

And this is the transition we observed from below. The handrails are also metallic and painted dark. Rows of thick wire are strung between the posts, which enclose the hanging walkway on the sides. On the right you can see the light bulbs on long cords. They come down from above at different heights into the free space between the stairs and the wall.

Kitchen and dining area across from the recreation room. Large wooden table with simple chairs. It is separated from where the food is prepared by a tall, long bar-like counter used for cooking and cutting food.

Looks like this is where the laundry is washed and ironed. Exit to the roof through this room.

Stairs and light bulbs hanging down to the left. Ahead of us, walking along the skylight, we enter another room.

A corner of preserved nature along the old stone wall.

Evening lighting of dining room and staircase.

This is what the architectural complex looks like, from the playground for children’s games in the evening. The lights of the lamps and lights reflect the glossy surfaces of the walls and floor, the glass gleams. This is what the old Brazilian house has become, where the family has become cramped. Now there is plenty of room and plenty of room for everyone.