Mansa House by Stemmer Rodrigues Arquitetura: A Serene Ground-Level Retreat in Xangri-lá, Brazil

Located in the tranquil coastal city of Xangri-lá near Porto Alegre, Brazil, the Mansa House is a masterful architectural project by Stemmer Rodrigues Arquitetura. Covering an area of 201 square meters, this ground-level residence was meticulously designed in 2021 to fulfill the client’s vision of a cozy, serene weekend home that emphasizes well-being, calmness, and seamless connection with nature.

Innovative Design and Construction

One of the primary challenges was executing the entire project within a tight six-month timeline while preserving the natural environment. The architects prioritized minimal intervention on the terrain, ensuring that all large, mature trees on the site remained intact, maintaining the lush landscape and natural shade.

To meet the ambitious schedule, the construction team employed advanced building techniques such as concreting the floor and subfloor simultaneously in the initial phase. The structural masonry supports an exposed concrete slab, eliminating the need for gypsum ceilings and contributing to the home’s minimalist aesthetic.

Architectural Features and Layout

Situated on a corner lot, the home’s layout negotiates the unique spatial constraints by featuring a sinuous wooden panel that elegantly divides the social living spaces from the private, intimate areas. This design element complements two expansive horizontal concrete planes that define the residence’s contemporary, minimalist form.

Large floor-to-ceiling glass panels fully open to the outdoors, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that blurs the boundary between nature and living spaces. Thoughtfully placed brises (louvered wooden screens) offer privacy without compromising openness, allowing natural light and ventilation while protecting the residents' comfort.

Materiality and Sustainability

The use of raw concrete as a dominant material, both structurally and aesthetically, grounds the house in a natural, tactile environment. The concrete slab throughout the home is uniquely stamped with the delicate imprint of Guaimbê leaves — a native Brazilian plant — adding a subtle decorative texture that connects the building to its local ecosystem.

Wood is abundantly featured in the brises, panels, and interior finishes, introducing warmth and softness that counterbalance the coolness of the glass and concrete. This combination creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that fosters relaxation and wellbeing.

Sustainability was integral to the design, with natural cross ventilation reducing reliance on mechanical cooling, and strategic use of indirect lighting minimizing energy consumption. Specific pendant lights illuminate the kitchen and dining areas, while integrated lighting beneath concrete and wood countertops enhances texture and ambiance, producing dramatic light and shadow effects.

All Photographs are works of Lucas Frank