House of Facades: A Masterpiece of Privacy and Elegance by Marcos Bertoldi Arquitetos

Located in a seaside condominium in Itajaí, Brazil, the House of Facades by Marcos Bertoldi Arquitetos epitomizes modern architectural brilliance. Designed to prioritize privacy while embracing natural light, this 612 m² residence harmoniously combines stone, wood, and lush landscaping to create a serene and private oasis.

Architectural Concept

Privacy Through Design

Built on a rectangular 520 m² lot surrounded by conventional homes, privacy was a central challenge. The architects addressed this with:

1. Aerial travertine walls that act as windowless side façades, shielding internal spaces from neighboring views.
2. Movable wooden mashrabiya screens on the front and rear façades, providing ventilation and temperature control while maintaining privacy.

Open-Air Courtyard

At the heart of the home is an open-air courtyard with double-height ceilings. This space brings in ample natural light and protects the glassed areas, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Interior Layout

Ground Floor

The ground floor houses social areas, services, and garages. The spaces alternate between single and double-height ceilings, enhancing spatial dynamics.

Upper Floor

The upper floor features:

• A studio
• Three suites
• An intimate balcony area connecting the spaces

Attic

The attic offers:

• A private suite for the couple
• A garden terrace with a glass-bottom swimming pool, providing a unique architectural feature.

Materiality and Aesthetics

The design is defined by a minimal material palette of travertine stone and wood, creating a cohesive and timeless aesthetic. The stone-clad walls with restrained openings, combined with the wooden screens, result in a veiled, abstract appearance.

Landscaping and Outdoor Features

Landscaping enhances the home’s natural integration:

• Succulent flower beds adorn the access steps.
• Pandanus plants provide visual privacy for the dining room’s double-height window.
• Bamboo hedges and Podocarpus trees outline the property.
• The rooftop features black sheet metal planters with Plumeria rubra as the focal flora.

Furniture and Interiors

The interior design blends modernist and contemporary furniture, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance. The seamless connection between architecture and interior elements reflects the project’s thoughtful design philosophy.

The House of Facades by Marcos Bertoldi Arquitetos is a striking example of contemporary seaside living. Through a masterful balance of privacy, natural light, and materiality, it achieves both functionality and aesthetic harmony, offering its residents a tranquil and elegant retreat.

All Photographs are work of Eduardo Macarios