Estúdio Rossi Arquitetos "transforms memory into architecture" at Brazilian beach house

Local practice Estúdio Rossi Arquitetos has completed a house with a glued-laminated timber structure on the coast of São Paolo that opens to the surrounding landscape through multiple screens and brise soleil.

Known as Casa Guaecá, the 465-square metre (5,005-square foot) vacation home was completed in 2024 in the neighbourhood of São Sebastião on the former site of a small blue beach house.

"Casa Guaecá was born from the desire to preserve the emotional memory of a modest blue house by the sea," architect Bruno Rossi, co-founder of Estúdio Rossi Arquitetos, told Dezeen.

"Our inspiration came from the place itself – its history, its landscape, its topography – and we intended to design a home that engages with the surroundings in a sensitive, respectful and contemporary way."

The house is set on a steep slope. The architecture studio split the program into three levels, each interacting with a different portion of the site, opening the interiors to the beach, garden, and forest.

Referencing the blue tone of the original structure, the compact ground floor is exposed concrete, while the upper levels are composed of prefabricated, certified glulam eucalyptus timber.

"This enabled large spans and structural efficiency, while also enhancing the warmth and openness of the interiors," the studio said. "Wooden brise-soleils provide sun protection, privacy and a dynamic, responsive facade."

Inside, the natural warmth of the timber stands out against white walls, thin-profile metal detailing and neutral terrazzo floors – particularly in the airy, double-height living room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

"The project was deeply rewarding in how it was embraced by local residents, who recognised it as a respectful and natural continuation of the region's built and natural environment," the studio said.

"This reaffirmed the value of listening closely to the site as a foundation for architectural design."

In addition to the prefabricated timber system and modular slabs that reduced on-site waste, the design prioritises passive sustainable strategies, including natural cross-ventilation through carefully placed windows and doors and vernacular, movable brise-soleils for solar shading.

"Casa Guaecá is unique in the way it transforms memory into architecture," the studio said.

"Through subtle references to a former structure, a restrained palette of materials and a light footprint on the land, it builds a deep, emotional connection between the house, its inhabitants and the landscape."

Previously, Bruno Rossi designed a wooden pavilion that floats on a dam in Santo Antonio de Posse, Brazil. Other homes recently completed in São Paulo include a stucco garden house by Arkitito Arquitectura and a concrete residence with framed views by Gabriel Kogan and Guilherme Pianca.

The photography is by André Scarpa (exteriors) and Adriano Pacelli (interior).

Project Credits:

Architecture & Interiors: Estúdio Rossi Arquitetos
Team: Bruno Rossi, Marilia Giordano Rossi, Adriano Bueno, Natalia Bueno, João Pedro Tofano, Rafael Kenzo, Isabela Slywitch, Carolina Dantas, Karine Oliveira
Concrete structure: Gil Chinellato Engenharia Estrutural
Glulam timber structure: ITA Engenharia em Madeira
Steel structure: Inner Engenharia
MEP Engineering: Ramoska & Castellani
Landscape Design: Alexandre Furcolin
Lighting Design: Lux Projetos

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