House Duas Marias I by Canoa Arquitetura – Modern Brazilian Countryside Retreat

Nestled in the lush countryside of São Paulo, House Duas Marias I by Canoa Arquitetura is a stunning modern retreat designed for weekend escapes. Positioned on a generous 6,000 m² plot, the home embraces the existing mature trees and gentle slope, ensuring optimal sunlight, natural ventilation, and panoramic views across the landscape.

The architectural concept revolves around a central garden that follows the terrain’s natural contour. This garden serves as the heart of the home, with circulation paths weaving around it, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The common areas, including the living, dining, and leisure zones, are situated at the access level on a single floor, fostering social interaction and family gatherings. Meanwhile, private spaces, including bedrooms and study rooms, are located on the lower level, offering tranquility, privacy, and direct views of the garden and adjacent forest.

The home is organized into two reinforced concrete blocks, aligned with the contour lines to minimize earthworks. The upper block houses leisure areas, garage, and service spaces, while the lower block accommodates bedrooms, a TV/study room, and a roof terrace. Exposed concrete columns, beams, and pre-molded slabs define the structural system, while masonry walls and plaster finishes provide a refined, cost-effective, and minimalist aesthetic.

A slender metal pavilion elegantly links the two blocks, extending toward the slope. This pavilion includes a kitchen, living, and dining area, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding trees and the garden terrace above the bedroom block. The monolithic concrete pool along the east façade creates a central void and integrates the circulation, connecting the sauna, barbecue area, and leisure spaces in a harmonious flow.

House Duas Marias I masterfully blends modern Brazilian architecture, functional spatial planning, and landscape integration. It celebrates simplicity, natural materials, and the rural environment while offering a serene retreat for family and friends. The project exemplifies how architectural design can harmonize with terrain, vegetation, and lifestyle, creating a timeless countryside residence.