House CSS by Seferin Arquitetura: A Contemporary Coastal Residence Rooted in Landscape and Materiality

House CSS by Seferin Arquitetura stands as a refined example of contemporary Brazilian residential architecture, where natural context, spatial openness, and material authenticity define the design. Located on the scenic Silveira Beach, this 445 m² residence, completed in 2022, embraces its surroundings by integrating environmental sensitivity with modern living. Designed under the leadership of Eduardo Abreu, the house reflects a seamless dialogue between architecture and landscape, creating a serene yet dynamic living environment.

Site Strategy and Environmental Integration

Positioned at the highest point of a sloping site, the house overlooks a protected environmental area that includes a natural stream and lush vegetation. This strategic placement ensures uninterrupted panoramic views of both the preservation zone and the ocean beyond. The architectural layout prioritizes visual connectivity, allowing the landscape to become an integral part of daily living.

The east-facing façade maximizes exposure to sunrise views, enhancing the sensory experience of the home. Meanwhile, less visually appealing areas, such as service zones, are oriented toward the access road, demonstrating a thoughtful hierarchy in spatial planning.

Spatial Organization and Functional Zoning

The ground floor is dedicated to social interaction, featuring open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas that extend onto a continuous balcony. This design fosters fluid indoor-outdoor transitions, encouraging social gatherings and family engagement. The expansive balcony acts as a viewing platform, framing the surrounding natural beauty.

On the upper floor, private spaces such as bedrooms are oriented toward the landscape, ensuring privacy while maintaining visual continuity with nature. A mezzanine level connects the living spaces vertically, reinforced by a dramatic double-height ceiling that enhances openness and spatial richness.

Materiality and Architectural Expression

House CSS showcases a sophisticated palette of materials that reflect both local identity and contemporary design language. The ground floor is clad in pedra moledo, a traditional Brazilian stone that anchors the house to its natural context. This robust material contrasts with the lighter upper level, where exposed concrete frames a system of brise-soleil.

The brise-soleil not only adds visual rhythm to the façade but also functions as a mobile shading system, providing thermal comfort and solar control. The use of exposed concrete with wood-textured formwork introduces a tactile quality, reinforcing the architectural narrative of blending raw and refined elements.

Interior Design and Atmosphere

Internally, the continuity of materials strengthens the connection between inside and outside. Wood is extensively used across floors, ceilings, decks, and furniture, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The consistent application of stone and concrete elements further unifies the design language, ensuring coherence throughout the residence.

The fireplace, clad in stone, acts as a focal point, echoing the exterior materiality while enhancing the interior’s cozy atmosphere. This careful balance of textures results in a harmonious living environment that feels both contemporary and grounded.

Lifestyle-Centered Design Features

The design responds directly to the lifestyle of its occupants, who are passionate about outdoor sports such as surfing and tennis. A private tennis court is integrated into the site, while a dedicated trail leads through the preservation area to the beach.

The house also features a surf locker room, complete with storage for surfboards and outdoor showers, allowing seamless transitions between beach activities and home life. On the deck, multifunctional elements such as guardrails doubling as նստ benches enhance usability while ensuring safety.

Social Living and Connectivity

At the heart of the home lies a spacious gourmet kitchen equipped with a barbecue area, designed for hosting and entertaining. This space connects directly to the main living areas and the balcony, reinforcing the concept of social interaction.

The double-height living room establishes visual connections with the mezzanine TV room, creating layered spatial experiences that encourage interaction across different levels. The design ultimately prioritizes openness, flexibility, and connectivity.

A Dialogue Between Architecture and Landscape

House CSS exemplifies how contemporary residential architecture can respond sensitively to its environment while addressing modern lifestyle needs. Through strategic siting, thoughtful material choices, and a strong connection to nature, Seferin Arquitetura has created a home that is both functional and poetic. The project stands as a testament to the power of architecture in shaping meaningful relationships between people, space, and the natural world.

All photographs are works of  Cristiano Bauce