A Modernist, Pavilion-Style Home That Doubles as a Gallery


BLOCO Architects designed the 600-square-meter (approx. 6,458 square feet) Casa Galeria as a gallery concept that allows the residents to live immersed within a piece of art that also houses their collection of art. One of the most unique features of the house is its roof structure. Five massive inverted beams gracefully span a 12-meter-wide roof, creating the central area of the house known as “the gallery.” This space, which effortlessly blurs the boundaries between art and daily living, serves as a multifunctional area, accommodating a living room, dining room, kitchen, balcony, and a garage.

Outside, a tile panel, named after the owner, Bárbara, showcases a pattern in shades of blue and white tiles, offering a striking contrast to the pristine white walls. In the bathrooms, tiles in vibrant colors – green, yellow, and orange – adorn the walls, following the same design pattern used throughout the interior.

narrow planter courtyard that runs between sections of modern home

Casa Galeria’s design doesn’t stop at functionality and art preservation – it extends into the layout of the house. Two open linear gardens divide the living spaces, while adding biophilic elements. The first garden, closer to the street, sits between the solar protection wall and the central living area’s windows. The second one delineates the social area from the bedroom hall.

angled exterior view of white rectilinear house

angled exterior view of white rectilinear house

front exterior view of white rectilinear house

partial front exterior view of white rectilinear house

angled front exterior view of white rectilinear house

closeup partial exterior view of white rectilinear house

The story of Casa Galeria is also intertwined with the rich history of Brasília. An iconic Athos Bulcão panel, originally designed for a house by the legendary Oscar Niemeyer, finds a new home next to the internal linear garden at the entrance. The Foundation responsible for the artist’s work permitted the panel’s relocation.

narrow planter courtyard that runs between sections of modern home

The interior design of Casa Galeria, also masterminded by BLOCO Architects, allows the family’s art collection to take center stage. The architects opted for neutral materials and colors to create a serene backdrop that enhances the artworks’ presence. The house boasts custom tile panels crafted by Brazilian artist João Henrique, adding an extra layer of uniqueness to the space.

partial exterior view of modern white house with bedroom that opens to an outdoor terrance with man sitting on ledge

interior view of modern living room with glass walls and two-sided modular sofa

To protect the invaluable art pieces from the harsh Brazilian sun, the architects designed a large wall, slightly elevated from the floor that’s supported by the same pillars as the main beams. The element shields the entire space while allowing soft, diffused natural light to seep in through the open garden, creating a tranquil ambiance.

interior view of modern living room with glass walls and two-sided modular sofa

view of modern interior down long white kitchen island that doubles as a table

In the main living space, a long white counter, which looks as if it’s suspended, separates the room while performing multiple functions as a kitchen, workspace, and dining table. A skylight aligned with the counter floods the room with natural light during daylight hours.

interior view of minimalist white kitchen with long island and wood chairs

interior view of minimalist white kitchen with long island and wood chairs

To maintain a sense of continuity and neutrality throughout, the house features the same brushed gray granite floor in all rooms, including the outdoor areas and the pool.

interior view of minimalist white kitchen with long island

corner view of cafe table with three chairs by window wall

interior shot down long white hallway of modern house

partial interior shot of modern bedroom in white with purple artwork

modern bathroom with white and yellow accent tile

modern bathroom with white and green accent tile

modern bathroom with white and orange accent tile

Photography by Joana França.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.





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