Barreiros Association Office by Dall'Ovo Magalhães Arquitetura: A Contemporary Example of Rammed Earth Office Architecture in Brazil

A Community-Oriented Office Rooted in Sustainable Practice

Located in the northern part of Ilhabela, Brazil, the Barreiros Association Office by Dall’Ovo Magalhães Arquitetura represents a contemporary yet contextually grounded interpretation of rammed earth office architecture. With a compact area of 160 m², the project serves the administrative needs of the Barreiros Association—an educational nonprofit focused on supporting underprivileged communities—while reinforcing architectural values of sustainability, local craftsmanship, and environmental harmony.

Programmatic Simplicity with Layered Spatial Intent

The design brief called for a reception area, a restroom, and three offices on the ground level, with a modest meeting area. Above, a mezzanine houses a boardroom and shared workspace for the association’s leadership. The architectural team responded with a clean, efficient layout that enhances operational flow and spatial hierarchy while allowing each zone to express its character through materiality.

Integrating Rammed Earth as Structural and Symbolic Element

One of the most striking features of the building is the extensive use of rammed earth, a traditional Brazilian technique dating back to the colonial era. In this project, it is employed not only for its robust thermoacoustic performance but also for its symbolic resonance as a “living architecture” element—allowing the building to breathe, regulate climate naturally, and embody the association's pedagogical mission. These thick, earthen walls create a tactile and grounding presence in the interiors, emphasized by the double-height spaces and natural light that filters through aluminum-framed glass panels.

To mitigate rammed earth’s natural fragility under tensile or shear forces, the architects collaborated with structural engineers to develop a concealed metal reinforcement system. This structural grid, integrated with aluminum frames and fixed glazing, ensures the material’s performance while maintaining aesthetic purity.

Materials That Express Local Identity

The structure utilizes a metal frame, chosen for speed of construction and continuity with other buildings in the association's complex. This is paired with a carefully curated palette of materials that balance warmth, practicality, and durability. On the ground floor, wood-effect porcelain tiles, white plaster ceilings, stone walls, and rammed earth create a grounded yet sophisticated interior. The mezzanine level shifts in tone, with beige vinyl flooring and autoclaved pine ceilings matching the exterior eaves—creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.

The handcrafted feel extends to the furniture and finishes. Some pieces were produced by local artisans using solid natural wood, designed entirely by the architects to harmonize with the architecture. These bespoke interventions create continuity between function and form, embedding the architectural identity into everyday operations.

Nautical References and Architectural Detailing

The staircase connecting the two floors is more than just a vertical link—it’s a crafted detail that reflects Ilhabela’s island culture. The handrail combines a slender metal structure with solid wood handles and braided nautical rope, referencing traditional island vessels. This delicate balance of strength, texture, and symbolism reflects the design team's dedication to contextual storytelling.

A Model of Sustainable and Educational Office Design

The Barreiros Association Office is not just a workplace—it is an architectural embodiment of the organization’s educational and social mission. Through the strategic use of rammed earth, the building promotes sustainable construction practices while offering tactile, climatically comfortable spaces for community engagement and leadership.

As a compelling example of rammed earth office architecture, the project showcases how traditional materials, when innovatively applied, can meet contemporary functional demands while deepening environmental and cultural awareness. Dall’Ovo Magalhães Arquitetura has created a building that is deeply rooted, forward-thinking, and fundamentally human.

All photographs are works of Bicubico