Located on the banks of a canal in one of the most exclusive tropical oases in the state of Rio de Janeiro, this villa in Angra dos Reis was designed for a couple seeking to reconcile distinct references — countryside and beach — and who found in the city the ideal topography and vegetation. The presence of the mountain and a canal guided the openings, flows, and positioning of the construction, characterized by an austere yet welcoming minimalism.
The architecture by Pedro Sunyé, together with the interiors created by Gabriela Casagrande, is based on a sincere approach: few gestures and numerous spaces of silence. The conceptual foundation is an 80-metre-high wall of pressed bamboo, which not only organises the flow of functions and conceals the technical facilities, but also forms the symbolic core of the building. It is a linear structure that has both structural logic and poetic delicacy.
Living space – the fluidity of boundaries
At the heart of the house is the open-plan living area, where the living room, kitchen and dining area merge into one. Glass sliding walls and a stone floor extend the perspective, blurring the boundary between the interior and the tropical garden. As a result, householders can immerse themselves almost seamlessly in the landscape, feeling the subtle difference in temperature and scents brought by the sea breezes and humid air.
The upper level, designed for bedrooms, exudes an intimate atmosphere thanks to the use of light wood and marble. In the master bathroom, a monolithic bathtub carved from the same marble as the walls and floor takes centre stage, while an opening from above lets in daylight, creating the impression of bathing in nature. Discreet indirect lighting completes the experience, highlighting the texture of the raw materials and the softness of the space.
Light and details
The entire lighting design is based on moderation: recessed luminaires, soft diffused light and accent spotlights serve to highlight textures and solids without being overly opulent. Rope-like LED strips on the steps and subtle light sources hidden in the ceiling crevices enhance the contemplative mood, accompanying the occupants as they relax in the evening.
Villa with a simple pool
One of the highlights of the villa is the organic, spiral-shaped pool, lined with natural stone. Designed with the owners’ elderly parents in mind, it features a continuous, gently sloping ramp for independent entry into the water.
The villa makes use of solutions favouring energy saving and integration into the tropical climate: natural ventilation, shades to provide shade and skylights to guarantee daylight. Low-environmental impact materials were also used in the construction. In addition, the modernist villa is characterised by a lack of ornamentation; the architects opted for a timeless minimalism, so that the building will look attractive even decades from now.
Designed by Gabriela Casagrande Arquitetura(https://www.instagram.com/gabrielacasagrandearquitetura), Architect Pedro Sunyé(https://www.instagram.com/pedrosunye)
Photos: Fábio Jr Severo(https://www.instagram.com/fabiojrsevero)
Also read: villas and residences | Modernism | Brazil | Minimalism | Featured | whiteMAD on Instagram
