Casa Brutale is a conceptually designed minimalist home by OPA (Open Platform for Architecture), merged into a rock face high above the Aegean Sea, Greece. This ground breaking development is waiting to be built by the firm, “a study of aesthetics, structure, function and engineering.” The construction of the home entails simple materials of glass, wood and raw concrete, with an emphasis placed more on the landscape and ocean. Nothing rises above the ground level, with impact being very minimal, a single facade which divides the vertical cliff face. A clear glass swimming pool and an entry staircase is the only part of the home that can be seen on the surface level. Descending the staircase brings you into an open plan scheme with dramatic views of the Aegean Sea through a glass fronted facade set flush into the cliff. The interior living spaces are flooded with natural light from an wall to wall skylight that turns out to be the swimming pool, comprised of reinforced glass, and functions as the only other window within this sensational home.
After descending 50 stairs you reach the entryway, which is also accessible by an elevator. A tall, rotating door comprised of aged wood opens to expansive sea views through the floor-to-ceiling glass facade. The space showcases minimalism at its finest.
A concrete dining table includes concrete benches clad with wood to add warmth. A fireplace behind the bench adds to the drama of this incredible space. There is also a guest room, bathroom and storage room.
A thin steel staircase leads from the kitchen up to the mezzanine level which hosts a private master bedroom retreat. The bed frame is comprised of concrete and wood finishing, and the walls are mirror clad to enhance the play of light and shadows. The views from this level are astounding, with the Aegean Sea soaked up right from the comfort of your bed.
