House CF: A Contemporary Timber Retreat Reimagined by Sandra Sayeg Tranchesi Arquitetura

House CF, designed by Sandra Sayeg Tranchesi Arquitetura, emerges as a complete reinvention of a rural residence in Ibiúna, Brazil. Conceived for a young family seeking a warm and functional countryside refuge, the project transforms a modest existing home into a 562 m² contemporary timber retreat that harmonizes architecture, landscape, and daily living. The design responds to an ambitious program—including five suites, a gourmet kitchen, game room, sauna, wine cellar, gym, and expansive outdoor spaces—while preserving the emotional memory of the original construction.

A Concept Rooted in Nature, Family, and Architectural Continuity

The architectural process began with a clear intention: to strengthen the home’s connection with nature while expanding its spatial potential. Although part of the original roof was preserved, the renovation involved a substantial structural intervention. New volumes were crafted using glued laminated timber (glulam) supplied by Ita Construtora, becoming the signature element of the project’s architectural identity.

These timber volumes bring visual lightness and sculptural elegance, linking new spaces such as the master suite, gym, and sauna. A pergola unifies these additions, creating fluid circulation and reinforcing indoor–outdoor integration—one of the central themes of the renovation.

Human-Centered Interiors Filled with Light and Warmth

Inside, the home was reconfigured to accommodate five suites without compromising comfort or privacy. The formerly narrow corridor leading to the private wing was enhanced with shed-style openings, allowing daylight to flood transitional areas and elevating spatial quality.

The kitchen underwent a complete transformation. Its redesigned layout features a central island and an open plan that seamlessly connects to the living area. This flexible arrangement supports multifunctional use—equally suited for intimate family meals or professional culinary preparation—while sliding closure systems provide privacy when needed.

A Playful and Versatile New Living Core

The old living room, once dominated by an oversized mezzanine, was reimagined as a fluid communal space anchored by a custom-designed centerpiece made of concrete and fine joinery. This singular element organizes the dining, lounge, wine storage, and games areas, intuitively adapting to each atmosphere.

Above it, a newly constructed timber volume now houses a versatile children’s suite—a playful environment that embodies the project’s emphasis on family living. The fireplace was repositioned to become a defining moment within the open layout, contributing warmth and visual continuity.

Expansive Outdoor Living and Seamless Material Transitions

A significant gesture of the renovation is the expanded terrace, now supported by black-painted metal beams that contrast elegantly with the timber structures and aluminum frames. This new structure introduces a sense of openness, framing direct views of the landscape.

The pool area, finished with Lazzy stone by Palimanan, extends visually into the interiors through a continuous rustic granite floor. This material continuity enhances the home’s sense of flow, strengthening the connection between indoor comfort and outdoor leisure.

Material Expression and Lighting as Architectural Language

Materiality plays a leading role in establishing House CF’s character. Green hydraulic tiles in the bathrooms, black hexagonal floors in the kitchen, reclaimed wood in the suites and hallways, and bespoke carpentry give the home a balance of authenticity, warmth, and contemporary precision. Many surfaces—including bathroom countertops—use repurposed wood, reinforcing the project’s sustainable spirit.

Lighting, designed by the architect herself, combines select pieces from RECA and Lumini. The strategy balances aesthetics and budget while creating varied atmospheres throughout the residence.

Landscape and Architecture in Dialogue

The landscape design by Bonsai Paisagismo weaves natural elements into the architectural composition. Gardens embrace the house with softness and fluidity, providing visual rest and creating a unified dialogue between built form and nature. Every view is curated to enhance tranquility, airflow, and the sensation of openness.

A Manifesto for Contemporary Living

More than a renovation, House CF stands as a manifesto on the essence of living with intention. It is a delicate balance between the pre-existing and the new, between the warmth of wood and the clarity of natural light, between family memory and the desire for a contemporary lifestyle. Through careful design, the project transforms a traditional rural home into a timeless refuge—one that nurtures connection, wellbeing, and the freedom to live fully in the present.