Articles by Susanna Moreira

Located on the northern coast of São Paulo, this vacation residence is situated just a few meters from the sea, yet remains hidden from those enjoying the waves or the white sands of the beach. Completely surrounded by native coastal vegetation, the building blends into its lush surroundings. Designed as a neutral volume, with its translucent faces facing the neighboring lots, the layout prioritizes a frontal view of the beach through large glass openings, so as to incorporate in its reflections, as well as in its internal spaces, the hues of this biome. The translucency is ensured by the external cladding, made up of polycarbonate cellular panels that simultaneously filter light, sound, and heat.

A region’s identity is deeply tied to its community spaces. These spaces—whether parks, public squares, or community centers—reflect their users’ culture, history, and values. They don’t just preserve regional identity; they actively shape how communities engage with their environment, fostering a dynamic relationship between place and people. Community spaces are more than just physical locations; they are vital social hubs that foster engagement, cultural expression, and a sense of belonging. These spaces symbolize a shared identity and purpose.

When the Andrea Murao Office began developing this project, the main inspiration was to create a space that combined comfort and modernity in a casual and contemporary style. The idea was to make a house that was more than just functional; the office wanted it to have a welcoming atmosphere, where every detail contributed to a sense of well-being. For Andrea Murao, natural light was essential, so she prioritized maximizing sunlight. The single-story structure of the house, with its sloped roof and high ceiling in the living room, was designed to bring the desired charm, creating a bright and pleasant environment.

In this project, we were challenged to design three tiny houses to enhance the unique experience of a very special place: a regenerative agriculture farm at Alqueva, a region in Alentejo, of southeast Portugal. This area is defined by one of the largest dams in Europe, which marks the border between Portugal and Spain. The unique location encompasses the vast Montado forest crossed by the Alqueva Dam, an area also known for stargazing tourism as one of the darkest zones in Europe.

The geometry of a narrow house is settled within a few lines. The intervention happens both in plan projection and in section. Curved walls are intersected with sinuous ceiling resulting in a space that is not static. In the evening, multiple folds and creases create a bizarre game of light and shadow.

The house has more levels and windows than a typical house in similar circumstances normally would. From an outside perspective, the house is both much bigger and much smaller than what would be expected. The rigid rhythm of small openings meets an ordered interior, where living spaces unfold left and right from the central staircase. Inside, a system of split levels is disguised between the slab thicknesses that disappear between the windows. Within the outer perimeter, none of the walls remain opaque; instead, a sequence of transversal glass brick walls on every level divides the spaces while still allowing a blurry glimpse from one to the next. On the top floor, the main spaces find themselves nestled under a vaulted ceiling—the only exception within the otherwise strict system.

Perfect meeting: location of the land, sea view, and the presence of nature. These are the elements that enchanted the couple from Studio Carlito and Renata Pascucci to build the 150m² house, whose residence is the refuge of the professionals. Privileged by its location, as it is between the mountains and the sea, on the coast of São Sebastião (SP), besides being a space for rest, it also shares the sensory experience making it for rental. 

Designed to be a summer house, the clients wanted all the social and service activities in the house to be isolated from the intimate area. As such, the building was sectored so that visitors only had access to the first floor, while residents and guests could stay on the lower floor without being disturbed.

The Gramaxo Foundation, represented by the President of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Maria de Fátima Gramaxo, intends to construct a single-story building on land it owns, as indicated in the attached topographic plan.