arthur casas adapts speculative structure into wood-lined coastal house in brazil

Arthur Casas Rethinks an existing frame in brazil

In Itajaí, Brazil, Arthur Casas transforms an unfinished speculative structure into Bravíssima House, a family home shaped by its steep, green site overlooking Praia Brava. The studio keeps most of the existing concrete frame and reworks it to fit the daily life of a couple with two children. The result feels less like a fixed object and more like something that settles into the slope, opening outward toward the sea while staying closely tied to the surrounding vegetation.

Wood runs throughout the project, from the facade to the ceilings and built-in elements, giving the interiors a warm, cohesive feel. A helical staircase becomes a key feature within this palette, connecting levels in a more sculptural way. Stone floors in limestone extend from inside to outside, softening the boundary between the two, while plastered walls and metal details add texture without overwhelming the spaces.

all images by César Bejar

a sectional split between openness and privacy

The main living spaces sit at the entrance level, where the house opens up into a continuous sequence of living room, dining area, and pool, all oriented toward the view. Below, the bedrooms and more private areas are tucked into the terrain, offering a quieter atmosphere without losing contact with the landscape. This split makes the house feel both open and protected at the same time.

Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and lived-in, mixing pieces designed by the team at Arthur Casas with Brazilian modern classics. Furniture by Jorge Zalszupin and Percival Lafer sits alongside artworks by Mano Penalva and José Bechara, creating a balance between design and art without feeling overly staged. In the dining area, a custom bench keeps views open while adding a practical layer for everyday use, complemented by sculptural works from Marco Tulio Rezende.

The landscape, designed by Renata Tilli, follows the same logic of working with what’s already there. Existing vegetation is preserved, and paths are gently introduced to connect different parts of the site. In this way, the house doesn’t dominate its setting but blends into it, becoming part of a larger, continuous environment shaped by terrain, plants, and views.

the house reads as a horizontal extension of the terrain

the house reveals itself from above as a sequence of terraces embedded in dense vegetation

the house layers wood volumes into the dense vegetation

the pool and outdoor areas read as a geometric composition

following the site’s natural slope

a low, stone-clad entrance facade conceals the expansive views opening toward Praia Brava

sliding glass panels allow the interior to fully open toward the terrace

a deep roof overhang shelters the outdoor lounge

the outdoor living area integrates seating, fire, and water against the ocean backdrop

floor-to-ceiling glazing frames uninterrupted views of the surrounding forest

extending the interior atmosphere outward

curved timber elements shape movement

a sculptural helical staircase anchors circulation

stone walls and tactile materials create a calm backdrop for furniture and artworks

project info:

name: Bravíssima House

architect: Studio Arthur Casas | @studio.arthurcasas

location: Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil

plot area: 1,353.16 square meters

built area: 1,072 square meters

director: Nara Telles

project manager: Gustavo Hohmann

decoration manager: Gabriel Contreira

team: Marcela Coelho, Ligia Damin, Mayara Fook, Valentina Lindner

3D: Nathalia Lorenzoni, Valentina Lindner, Ana Maria Pedreschi, Augusto Godoy

contractor: FML incorporadora ltda.

suppliers: Construflama (fireplace), STO (textured plaster), Docol (metals), Vallvé (bathtub), Ornare (custom furniture), Schüco + Allubauen (window frames), Ciliarte (carpentry), Elf Mármores (stones), Mielle (equipment), Arkos (façade), Parket (wood flooring + ceiling)

landscape: Renata Tilli

photographer: César Bejar | @cesarbejarstudio

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