A São Paulo house wrapped in its own garden

From a distance, 111 House could pass for a small park in the middle of São Paulo. Up close, it's a contemporary family home by Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld, whose clean lines, raw concrete and warm wood are almost hidden by planting.

The house belongs to a couple who collect contemporary art, and their two children. It was designed as a place to show art but also as a relaxed home for everyday life and friends. Weinfeld, who follows in the tradition of Brazil's modernists, worked closely with landscape architect Rodrigo Oliveira. Oliveira's approach draws on Japanese gardens and the irregular beauty of nature, and he aims for gardens that look as if they happened on their own.

Planters are built into the facade itself, so flowers and greenery climb up every side rather than staying on the ground and terraces. Instead of broad tropical leaves, Oliveira chose small-leaved plants suited to cooler weather: a wide mix of species that stand up to wind, are easy to care for and age well.

The house rises over four floors on a small footprint, leaving 280 square metres of garden around it. Overhangs, pergolas and plants shade the rooms all year. It's private, but it's a beautiful idea for city living.

Our summary of a story from Wallpaper*, published 26 September 2026. Read the original

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