House da Vila: A Thoughtful Architectural House Renovation in São Paulo by Mariana Orsi

Preserving the Past, Designing for the Present

In the heart of São Paulo, House da Vila by Mariana Orsi Arquitetura + Design showcases a masterful architectural house renovation that bridges tradition and contemporary living. This 128 m² residence, originally rich in historical character, has been thoughtfully transformed to meet the modern lifestyle of its new occupants without losing its original village charm. The project preserves authentic architectural elements while integrating brighter, more open spatial configurations.

Harmonizing Heritage and Modernity

The architectural intervention began with a clear intention: to protect and highlight the structure’s heritage. Original features such as wooden floors and staircases were either restored or uncovered. The staircase, previously hidden behind plaster, was exposed to become a sculptural focal point, emphasizing the roots of the building and its place within the larger village context.

At the same time, strategic demolitions were introduced to open up formerly segmented spaces. This approach enabled a natural flow between rooms and enhanced daylight penetration, especially on the ground floor. The renovation reimagines how space is used while keeping its emotional and historical core intact.

Ground Floor Integration and Brazilian Identity

One of the standout design decisions was replacing the worn wooden floor on the ground level with green hydraulic tiles. This not only pays homage to Brazil’s rich design language but also visually connects to green muxarabi screens on the façade and other green accents throughout the interior. These thoughtful touches express national identity while maintaining material and tonal consistency.

A garden was added along one side of the house to deepen the connection to nature. Its presence can be appreciated from the kitchen, laundry, and living room, creating moments of pause and serenity. The lush vegetation complements the green tones used inside and reinforces the architectural theme of indoor-outdoor harmony.

Intimate Transformations on the Upper Floor

On the upper level, a series of spatial modifications further modernized the home. Non-structural walls were removed to enlarge the bedrooms, bringing more functionality and openness. The original wooden plank flooring was carefully restored to preserve the tactile warmth and authenticity of the house.

The most significant transformation occurred in the bathrooms. White wall tiles were introduced to evoke cleanliness and timelessness, while green hydraulic tiles continued on the floors to maintain material continuity with the rest of the home.

Contextual Design Within a Village Setting

More than just a renovation, House da Vila is a sensitive architectural response to a unique urban condition—the tight-knit village structure of São Paulo’s older residential neighborhoods. The design honors the scale, rhythm, and spatial density of the village, while incorporating contemporary interventions that reflect the evolving needs of its residents.

Mariana Orsi’s approach demonstrates that architectural house renovation in São Paulo can be both respectful and bold. By skillfully layering history with modernity, the project offers a blueprint for how urban homes can be revitalized without erasure—only with enhancement.

A Retrofit Rooted in Narrative

The Casa da Vila stands as an example of how architecture can preserve memory while crafting new stories. The renovation is more than technical—it is emotional, cultural, and deeply contextual. By amplifying original elements and introducing cohesive material language, the house becomes a vibrant narrative of renewal.

As cities like São Paulo continue to grow and transform, projects like House da Vila remind us of the value in preserving what exists—especially when it’s done with such architectural integrity.

All Photographs are works of Felipe Araujo