ICC House

Boasting a decidedly Wes Anderson-esque vibe that we love here at Coolector HQ, ICC House is an understated yet impactful piece of architecture that it’s hard not to love. Nestled in the heart of Brazil, the ICC House by CoDA Arquitetura is more than just a residence—it’s a living tribute to the architectural brilliance of the 1960s and the iconic design principles of Oscar Niemeyer and João Filgueiras Lima. For a family deeply passionate about Brasília’s architectural heritage, this home serves as both a sanctuary and a canvas where emotional memories and modern design beautifully intertwine.

Inspired by the Central Institute of Sciences, or “Minhocão,” a central figure in the University of Brasília’s landscape, the ICC House borrows heavily from the experimental spirit of precast concrete that defined Brazilian architecture during the 1960s. This influence is evident throughout the home, from the exposed concrete surfaces to the large openings that invite the outdoors in. The fluidity of space and the rhythmic structure of the house echo Niemeyer and Lelé’s approach, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.

The ICC House is designed with both functionality and emotion at its core. The family’s brief was simple yet profound: they wanted a compact home that seamlessly integrates the social spaces—kitchen, living room, and barbecue area—into a single, fluid environment. This central hub serves as the heart of the house, where family members can gather, cook, and relax together, all while remaining connected to the outdoor patio through expansive windows. The design ensures that this social space, along with the private bedrooms and a dedicated home office, all converge towards the patio, where a serene pool acts as the focal point.

A standout feature of the ICC House is its thoughtful colour palette, which not only pays homage to the building that inspired it but also resonates with the natural surroundings. Located in a more arid region with native Cerrado vegetation, the house incorporates terracotta tones that blend seamlessly with the red earth of the local terrain. This earthy hue complements the wood and exposed concrete of the house’s modular structure, creating a visual dialogue between the architecture and the environment.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the ICC House is a testament to the power of architecture to encapsulate history, memory, and modern living in one cohesive design. CoDA Arquitetura has crafted a space that is not only a nod to the iconic architecture of Brazil’s past but also a functional and deeply personal home for its residents. The ICC House stands as a striking example of how architectural heritage can be reinterpreted for the present, creating a home that is as timeless as it is contemporary.

see more at CoDA arquitetura