JO Residence by Jacobsen Arquitetura: A Stunning Summer Retreat in Guarujá

The JO Residence, designed by Jacobsen Arquitetura, is a masterful blend of contemporary design and natural materials, situated in the picturesque coastal city of Guarujá, Brazil. This 1100-square-meter summer retreat, completed in 2021, reflects the architects’ commitment to integrating architecture with its surroundings while prioritizing privacy, comfort, and seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. From its strategic layout to its refined material palette, the JO Residence exemplifies modern architectural excellence tailored to its clients' lifestyle.

Design Concept and Context

Located within a residential condominium in Guarujá, just over an hour from São Paulo, the JO Residence was designed for a family seeking a tranquil coastal retreat. The architects prioritized the plot’s rear section, which offers unobstructed views of the ocean and direct access to the beach. This decision shaped the house’s design, which features a long, slender volume oriented perpendicular to the internal street at the front of the property. The front façade ensures privacy from the bustling street, while the sides, bordered by neighboring homes, incorporate visual barriers.

To maintain the horizontality of the structure while addressing the site’s compact buildable area, the architects employed a half-level design. This innovative solution allowed for varied ceiling heights and a dynamic interior spatial arrangement, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

Architectural Features and Material Palette

The JO Residence’s façade is wrapped in vertical wooden brises-soleils made from durable Accoya wood, providing both visual privacy and protection from the elements. These wooden screens, paired with slender circular-section pillars, create a rhythmic and visually striking exterior. The entrance hall is a welcoming tunnel-like space, lined with Freijó wood slats, offering glimpses of the lush tropical garden that envelops the residence.

The living and dining spaces are expansive, designed to accommodate guests comfortably. A central open-plan area spans an impressive 14 meters in width, supported by slender pillars at the periphery. The interior features a harmonious interplay of natural materials, including granite flooring and Freijó wood ceilings. Glass panels blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, seamlessly connecting the living spaces with the veranda, pool, and garden. This openness enhances the home’s relationship with the landscape, offering panoramic ocean views from multiple vantage points.

Integration with the Landscape

The architecture of the JO Residence emphasizes its connection to nature. The pool, positioned on an elevated plateau above beach level, offers sweeping views of the coastline. The double-height interior spaces are illuminated by natural light streaming through skylights, while an internal garden beneath the staircase creates a serene focal point. This axis of greenery ensures ample daylight throughout the home and fosters a sense of tranquility.

On the second level, an entertainment room equipped with a home theater and game area provides a relaxing retreat for residents. Positioned at a mid-level height, the room offers uninterrupted views of the horizon, further enhancing the visual connection to the surrounding landscape.

Private Living Spaces and Innovative Design

The upper floor houses five suites arranged along a central corridor. The children’s and guest bedrooms are protected by wooden panels with folding mechanisms, allowing for adjustable light and ventilation. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows maximize illumination, while the brises-soleils provide privacy without obstructing the view. The master suite, strategically located to face the beach, features sliding double panels for optimal control of light and air.

The roof design incorporates two levels with a subtle height difference, creating a linear gap with glass closures that frame the surrounding treetops. This thoughtful detail adds a poetic touch to the circulation areas, reinforcing the home’s seamless integration with nature.

Material Choices and Sustainability

The JO Residence employs a restrained palette of natural materials in shades of gray, aligning with the clients’ request for a timeless, contemporary aesthetic. Accoya wood, chosen for its durability, lines the facades and interior volumes, while Freijó wood slats add warmth to the ceilings. Stone cladding enhances the social spaces’ walls and floors, creating a cohesive and inviting environment. These materials, combined with the architects’ strategic use of natural light and ventilation, underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability and longevity.

The JO Residence by Jacobsen Arquitetura is a celebration of modern design harmonized with nature. Through its innovative layout, refined material palette, and seamless integration with the landscape, the residence offers a serene and luxurious retreat for its residents. The project reflects the architects’ dedication to creating spaces that enhance the natural beauty of their surroundings while meeting the unique needs of their clients.

All Photographs are work of Fernando Guerra | FG + SG