PO House by Dall’Ovo Magalhães Arquitetura: A Contemporary Reinvention of Coastal Living

A Sensitive Renovation with a Bold Reset

Located on the northern coast of Ilhabela, Brazil, PO House is a striking example of architectural renewal that harmonizes with its beachfront setting. Originally intended as a renovation, the project's scope expanded following an in-depth evaluation of the aging structure. While preserving the original footprint, the design team and client decided to completely demolish the interior, embracing the opportunity to redesign the home from the ground up.

Lightweight Structure Meets Coastal Context

Freed from the constraints of the existing interior, the architects introduced a new contemporary design defined by a lightweight metallic structure, flat roofline, and expressive material palette. The house features plywood paneling and a PVC membrane roof, ensuring a delicate balance between durability and subtlety in a tropical climate.

The new volume sits horizontally over a stone base, seamlessly integrated into the terrain. A diagonal stone wall connects the garage to the main house, drawing visitors toward the primary entrance with sculptural intent.

Open Social Spaces and Natural Illumination

The spatial layout prioritizes thermal comfort, natural lighting, and social connectivity. The living and dining rooms are open-concept, connected directly to an integrated kitchen and oriented toward the northeast to maximize morning sunlight. Floor-to-ceiling aluminum-framed openings provide uninterrupted views and access to a wooden deck, a tranquil extension ideal for lounging during the golden hours.

Durable, Sustainable Finishes Inside and Out

Wide eaves, lined with certified autoclaved pine, extend outward, offering passive shading and architectural rhythm. This same warm-toned wood continues inside the house, reinforcing a continuous material dialogue across interior and exterior spaces. All doors reach the full height of 3 meters, creating a visually expansive atmosphere complemented by the generous ceiling height.

Skylit Bathrooms and Reflective Garage Pavilion

Even utilitarian spaces receive careful attention: the children’s bathroom suites include skylights that deliver soft overhead light, creating an immersive bathing experience with ceramic tile accents.

Meanwhile, the garage is conceptualized as a light-filtering pavilion, with a metallic pergola and UV-protected laminated glass roof, offering thermal comfort and filtered daylight. The permeable interlocking concrete floor enhances the home’s environmental responsiveness, allowing rainwater drainage and accommodating three vehicles. This area also houses a technical zone and a dedicated carpentry bench, designed around the client's personal hobby.

All Photographs are works of Bicubico