House Graviola: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage and Contemporary Design in Urbanova, Brazil

House Graviola is an inspiring renovation project by Sertão Arquitetos, located in the lush surroundings of Urbanova, Brazil. This 272 m² residence was transformed with a focus on integrating indoor and outdoor living, enhancing natural light, and respecting the original architectural character. The renovation elegantly balances heritage preservation with contemporary design solutions, creating a home that responds to both functional needs and aesthetic aspirations.

Preserving the Original Charm

The renovation began with a careful simplification of the existing structure. Extensions added since the house's original construction in 1991 were removed, leaving the main body intact. Key features, such as the exposed brick walls and roof constructed directly from beams and ceramic tiles, were preserved. This roofing technique, reminiscent of the iconic Casa do Rio Vermelho by Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai, became a central reference for the renovation.

By maintaining these authentic elements, the architects ensured that Casa Graviola retained its historical essence while creating a blank canvas for modern interventions.

Expanding Functionality

To accommodate the needs of a young couple, the home was thoughtfully expanded in two critical areas. On the upper floor, a closet with an en-suite bathroom was added on the old terrace slab. Structural reinforcements were necessary to support a luxurious bathtub with views of the surrounding forest.

On the ground floor, the kitchen was enlarged, occupying the space between the house and its boundary. This expansion doubled the social area, fostering a fluid connection between the kitchen and living spaces. A new wooden volume was added, housing the entrance hall, china cabinet, wardrobe, and a cozy niche for relaxation. The roof above the kitchen echoed the original house's construction technique, maintaining architectural continuity.

Maximizing Indoor-Outdoor Integration

One of the homeowners’ key requests was a stronger connection to the gardens and outdoor areas. The architects transformed small windows into doors and introduced numerous new openings to enhance natural light and ventilation. A skylight above the kitchen runs along its full length, incorporating an internal garden that blurs the line between interior and exterior spaces.

Intermediate spaces, such as balconies, pergolas, and the garage roof, feature wood and glass coverings, providing shelter from the elements while maintaining a sense of openness. This thoughtful approach ensures that light and nature flow freely throughout the home.

Thoughtful New Construction

The final phase of the project included new constructions for a barbecue area, bedroom, and bathroom, aligned with the main house on the sloped terrain. By positioning these additions strategically, the architects created two expansive gardens that contrast with the built areas. Large openings face the gardens, enabling a playful dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces. Fruit trees such as Soursop and Surinam Cherry further enrich the sensory experience of the gardens.

Contemporary Touches and Materiality

The renovation introduces a contemporary wooden structure with exposed metal sandwich tiles, contrasting with the main house while harmonizing with the garden surroundings. Diverse textures, including cobogós and straw ceilings, add tactile interest and visual warmth. At the center of the main garden, a swimming pool integrates seamlessly with the barbecue area, reinforcing the home’s focus on outdoor living.

A Seamless Fusion of Old and New

House Graviola exemplifies a renovation that respects the original architecture while introducing contemporary functionality and aesthetics. By carefully articulating new spaces and integrating them with the gardens, Sertão Arquitetos created a home that is at once historically grounded and modernly vibrant. This project demonstrates how adaptive reuse and thoughtful design can unlock the full potential of existing structures.