The Brazilian Client approached us through an architect in London to design five houses on a leafy site in Cidade Jardim, a suburb of São Paulo. The site traverses from the prestigious Avenida Das Magnólias to the discreet Rua dos Ipês. The large plot of land, previously improved with a one-storey mansion, features a dozen tall Brazilian ironwood trees and a large flamboyant tree which we intend to keep. The neighbourhood slopes towards the Rio Pinheiros affording panoramic views of the city. It is characterised by high-security residences fenced with high walls. The Client had obtained a design from a Brasilian architect presenting five boxy houses and an exposed garage ramp, but felt unsatisfied. We proposed to give the houses a rounded, Art Deco shape and to enter the garage from the lower Rua dos Ipês where no ramp is needed. We completed Concept Design in 2023 and the project continues into 2024.