Guaecá House | Estúdio Rossi Arquitetos

On the same land where one of the first houses in the region was built—a simple blue building by the seaside—lies the project of Casa Guaecá House, led by Estúdio Rossi Arquitetos, on the coast of São Paulo. Respecting the local history, the architecture and interiors of the residence preserved elements of the old house in the new architectural proposal, placing it in dialogue with the landscape while integrating the contemporary needs of the residents.

Guaecá House

© André Scarpa

The architecture of Casa Guaecá maintains a discreet volume and incorporates the blue of the old house in a subtle way, as a heartfelt and visual reference to the memory of the place. Its layout aimed to respect the natural topography of the land, organizing the house into three levels and creating independent accesses. This solution not only minimizes construction impact but also allows the architecture to be integrated into the surroundings in a more organic manner.

Guaecá House

© Adriano Pacelli

Furthermore, the structure of the residence combines materials that balance lightness and solidity. On the ground floor, exposed concrete anchors the building to the land, while the glued laminated timber structure, developed in partnership with ITA Engenharia em Madeira, provides spaciousness and fluidity to the spaces on the upper floors. Large spans and precise fittings were made possible by these prefabricated systems, which combine technical efficiency with a striking sensory impact.

Guaecá House

© André Scarpa

These large openings further enhance the relationship between interior and exterior, house and landscape. On the lower level, wide glass panels integrate the house with the beach while opening the residence to a garden, reinforcing the connection with nature. On the upper floor, surrounded by the native vegetation of the Atlantic Forest, movable wooden brises provide privacy and comfort to the intimate spaces of the house, as well as filtering natural light and contributing to the energy efficiency of the project.

Guaecá House

© André Scarpa

During the photo sessions conducted by André Scarpa, a spontaneous comment from a local resident summarized the essence of the project: the recognition of the residence’s integration into the architecture of the forest and respect for the natural and cultural context of the region.

Guaecá House

© André Scarpa

Casa Guaecá is, thus, an exercise in balance between tradition and contemporaneity, where every detail, from the choice of materials to the implantation, reinforces the relationship between architecture and nature, memory and innovation.

Project Info:

  • Country: Brazil
  • Area: 465 m²
  • Year: 2021
  • Photographs: André ScarpaAdriano Pacelli
  • Team: Bruno Rossi, Marilia Giordano Rossi, Adriano Bueno, Natalia Bueno, João Pedro Tofano, Rafael Kenzo, Isabela Slywitch, Carolina Dantas, Karine Oliveira
  • Concrete Structures: Gil Chinellato Engenharia Estrutural
  • Laminated Wood Contractor: ITA Engenharia em Madeira
  • Metal Structure: Inner Engenharia
  • Facilities Design: Ramoska & Castellani
  • Landscape Consultants: Alexandre Furcolin
  • Lighting Consutlants: Lux Projetos
Madeline Brooks
Madeline Brooks

Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.

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