Lagoon House by Studio Bloco Arquitetura: A Modern Nature-Integrated Weekend Retreat in Brazil

Location: Osório, Brazil Architects: Studio Bloco Arquitetura Area: 281 m² Year Completed: 2023 Photography: © Roberta Gewehr Lead Architects: Maicon Soares and Mauro Machado Manufacturers: Arkos, Daikin, Deca, EXS, Jatobá, NZ Brazil, Stella

A Contemporary Escape Blending Architecture and Landscape

The Lagoon House (Casa da Lagoa) by Studio Bloco Arquitetura is a serene weekend retreat nestled in a private nautical condominium in Osório, Brazil. Designed for a family seeking refuge from the city, the residence is strategically oriented to maximize panoramic views of Lagoa da Pinguela and bathe its interiors in natural light and fresh air.

Set within a trapezoidal plot, the architectural layout was guided by the goal of opening the house toward the lake while maintaining privacy and a strong connection to the surrounding nature. The social spaces, including the kitchen, dining room, living room, barbecue area, and patio, are located on the ground floor, oriented toward the lakefront. The private spaces, including bedrooms and a family lounge, occupy the upper floor.

Open, Adaptive Design with Sliding Panels

To foster flexibility and privacy, the architects implemented five sliding panels on the ground floor, allowing the family to adapt the configuration of interior and exterior spaces. These panels serve dual purposes—offering solar control and enabling the creation of intimate or open environments depending on the occasion.

Upon entry, visitors are greeted with a direct visual connection to the rear patio. This continuity between interior and exterior is crucial to the design’s success, enhancing cross ventilation, daylighting, and immersive contact with nature throughout the home.

Material Palette: Natural, Durable, and Timeless

The façade combines wooden cladding, in harmony with interior wood finishes, and irregular basalt stone flooring and walls. These natural materials are contrasted with monolithic Tecnocimento coatings, which are used on ceilings and other surfaces. The material palette was chosen not only for its aesthetic warmth and timeless character, but also for durability and low-maintenance performance—essential features for a seasonal home in a natural setting.

Custom Features: A Passive Wine Cellar for Enthusiasts

An unusual and standout feature of the Lagoon House is its semi-subterranean wine cellar, a bespoke addition requested by the clients, who are passionate wine collectors. This space was carefully integrated into the architectural concept from the beginning.

Constructed with cyclopean concrete, basalt block masonry, and Styrofoam insulation, the cellar is passively cooled using a three-meter-deep buried pipe system. These sustainable strategies ensure temperature stability and energy efficiency, reflecting a commitment to eco-conscious architecture.

Architecture and Interiors in Complete Harmony

More than just a house, the Lagoon House exemplifies Studio Bloco Arquitetura’s holistic approach, seamlessly merging architectural and interior design. While the structural design defines spatial flow and landscape interaction, the interior design tailors every room to the family's personality and lifestyle needs—creating a cohesive and emotionally resonant living experience.