Renda House by André Luque Arquitetura
Renda House is a residential project located in São Sebastião, Brazil, designed in 2023 by André Luque Arquitetura. Seeking to materialize intangible elements like light and nature, this artistic residence reflects the owners’ journey and love for Brazilian folk art. The layout emphasizes comfort and modernity, featuring open living spaces and bespoke details, creating a harmonious balance with the tropical landscape and their personal history.
The Renda House: Nature Inspired Architecture in Brazil
Renda House is a poetic residential project that aims to symbolize the blend of the essence of nature and the cultural history of the clients in the beautiful coastal landscape of São Sebastião, Brazil. ‘This house is a response to the intangible elements that give life to the owners’ experiences: light, breeze, sounds of nature, and memories collected during their travels across Brazil,’ explains architect André Luque.
Renda House Architecture: A Safe Haven
The house was recently renovated and adapted to the needs of the owners, a couple whose married children and grandchildren have encouraged the search for a new stage in family life, with a “refuge” that balances comfort and modernity. The architectural design was created by André Luque after the identification of an old building on the same street as their previous residence, with potential for intervention and emotional ties firmly established by the clients.
The building’s programmatic organization between the floors was retained, adjusting the levels of privacy and integration. The original three-story building was in a state of disrepair for several years. The top floor was removed to make way for a new addition made of laminated wood.
The structural system adopted is notable for its strength and durability, particularly in coastal regions exposed to humidity and harsh weathering. The choice of a flat roof, without a ridge, highlights the building’s slenderness, giving it a horizontal dimension of 24 meters that harmonizes with the surroundings.
Aluminum and glass frames frame coastal landscape, while a solar protection system, adapted for the north-facing facades, offers thermal comfort without undermining integration with the outdoors.
A Decorative Detail The Architecture Is Based On
In one of the initial conversations, the owner, a collector of Brazilian folk art, showed the architect some lacework pieces (“Renda” in Portuguese) – a traditional lace technique from Brazil’s Northeast, where threads are intertwined with the help of small wooden spools called “bilros.” The delicate patterns inspired the design of decorative panels that define the graphical plasticity of the residence. The architect manually designed the pattern, which was then digitized and refined, taking months of adjustments and modifications until the final version was reached, with unique compositions for each panel.
The execution was carried out by Clamom, a Brazilian company specializing in technological engineering solutions for design, responsible for the production of 5mm metal sheets, cut with a laser. The finish is electrostatic white paint for greater durability and resistance to the elements. These panels, which are part of the project’s bioclimatic strategy, filter natural light and allow the breeze to circulate, optimizing thermal comfort and energy efficiency in the house.
The ground floor houses the garage and technical areas, which are more enclosed. The main access is through an interstitial space that defines the transition between the outdoors and the social wing. An indoor sanctuary honors the spirituality of the homeowners. Surrounded by white walls and a stone panel, a ceramic sculpture of the saint, delicately lit by an indirect lighting system. A wooden bench invites moments of prayer.
On the first floor, the social wing includes the living room, dining room, game area, gourmet area, and barbecue. To delineate each area, the furniture was arranged to define the layout of the program. The sand-toned floor extends to the exterior to create continuity between the spaces. White, inspired by the foam of the sea waves, predominates on the walls and ceiling, bringing freshness and brightness to the spaces. The blue of the water appears intermittently in the furniture and art pieces.
The landscape design, by landscape architect Julieta Fialho, reflects a deep knowledge of local botanical species. The proposal offers a thoughtful curation of regional flora, valuing native vegetation and creating an outdoor space that directly engages with the local ecosystem.
The elevated pool follows the height of the guardrail that runs along the entire veranda. Accessed via a monolithic concrete staircase, illuminated by a skylight above.
Warm Spaces Complemented With Folk Art Pieces
The intimate wing houses the TV room and six suites, including the master suite and one for each of the couple’s children, as well as children’s rooms for the grandchildren. The glass panels maintain the visual connection with the sea, and all suites have access to a shared balcony, ideal for moments of rest and contemplation.
Emphasizing the atmosphere of coziness and well-being, joinery was customized for the bedrooms: the headboards are made with half-height wooden slats, similar to wainscoting, while vertical wooden slats define the separation to the bathrooms without obstructing the visual connection. The original lacework that inspired the design of the panels on the facades is incorporated into the decor of the master suite, framed and applied to two panels above the headboard.
The walls and decoration throughout the living areas feature pieces of folk art, including paintings, crafts, vases, and sculptural objects collected during the homeowners’ travels across Brazil.
Photography by Carolina Lacaz
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