A stunning example of Brazilian brutalist architecture has been carefully renovated by the son of its original creator, preserving the distinctive concrete aesthetic while adding modern amenities. The 1978 residence, located on a quiet, tree-lined street in Alto de Pinheiros, one of São Paulo's most vibrant cultural districts, showcases the unmistakable architectural language of the late Ruy Ohtake through its expressive concrete forms, sculptural geometry, and rhythmic play of light and shadow.
Rodrigo Ohtake, son of the renowned architect, recently completed the renovation of the 3,982-square-foot home while maintaining its brutalist core and refined relationship with the surrounding landscape. Both father and son are descendants of celebrated artist Tomie Ohtake, continuing a family legacy in Brazilian arts and architecture. The renovation introduces contemporary spatial elements without erasing the building's historical significance or architectural integrity.
The modernization includes several strategic interventions that enhance the home's livability while respecting its original design. New openings have been carefully carved out of the existing concrete structure to allow softer natural light to filter throughout the interior spaces. A glass-covered garden has been added, creating transparency and providing a sense of pause and transition between different rooms of the house.
The renovation has significantly expanded the home's leisure amenities with the addition of a gourmet kitchen area, a solarium featuring a hot tub, and a sauna. All of these new spaces have been integrated with completely modernized plumbing and electrical systems to meet contemporary standards. The building's performance has been enhanced through the installation of solar heating, full-home air conditioning, and selective home automation systems.
One of the most significant features of the property is the preservation of the original garden design by Roberto Burle Marx, the legendary Brazilian landscape architect. This garden remains a guiding force in the property's aesthetic, unfolding from the main entry and leading toward a heated swimming pool that is beautifully framed by mature jabuticaba trees. The landscape continues its dialogue with the architecture, allowing the original Brazilian modernist vision to sit comfortably within contemporary living.
The renovated residence represents a successful balance between preservation and modernization, demonstrating how brutalist architecture can be adapted for contemporary use without losing its essential character. The project stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Brazilian modernism and the Ohtake family's continued contribution to architectural excellence. The property is currently listed for $1,992,032 through Bossa Nova Sotheby's International Realty, offering potential buyers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Brazilian architectural history.
