Sagarana House: Urban Retreat with Harmonious Mixed-Use Design by Estudio Pedro Haruf & Cristiane Salles Arquitetura

Located in the heart of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Sagarana House is an exemplary mixed-use architectural project designed by Estudio Pedro Haruf in collaboration with Cristiane Salles Arquitetura & Design. This transformative renovation reimagines a 1960s residential property into a modern urban retreat, seamlessly blending private living spaces with a functional commercial area dedicated to yoga and wellness therapies.

Design Concept: Creating a Space for Wellness and Living

The primary design challenge was to segment the existing family property into two distinct yet harmonious environments: a residence and a commercial wellness space. The homeowners envisioned a sanctuary offering yoga classes, therapy sessions, and a tranquil urban retreat. The architects responded by creating a design that balances privacy, natural lighting, and spatial fluidity.

Adaptive Reuse of a 1960s Residence

The design team retained the original structure of the 1960s house while introducing functional enhancements. The facade was split into two separate entries, creating individual access points for the residential and commercial zones. This division ensured both areas maintained their unique identities without compromising on spatial coherence.

Expanding Functional Space with a Wooden Pavilion

A pivotal addition to the property was a wooden pavilion in the backyard, extending the commercial area by 100m². This contemporary structure houses a spacious yoga studio, designed with expansive openings that invite natural light and ventilation—qualities that would have been difficult to achieve within the existing building.

Natural Materials and Sensory Design Elements

The material palette was carefully curated to evoke a sense of tranquility and connection with nature. Key materials include:

• Ceramic tiles
• Bamboo accents
• Wooden pergola
• Landscaping integrated with climbing plants

A distinctive feature is the sensory corridor, painted in deep blue epoxy. This passage serves as a symbolic portal, marking the transition from the bustling city into the serene retreat. A second corridor section incorporates a wooden pergola, bamboo mat, and climbing greenery, enriching the experience with biophilic elements.

Privacy and Lighting Innovations

The architects prioritized privacy while optimizing natural light throughout the property. The yoga pavilion features movable bamboo screens that offer flexible visibility control. When closed, a linear skylight introduces soft daylight into the interior. In the residential section, strategic window placements promote ventilation while integrating planter boxes that provide privacy with lush vegetation.

Sustainable Design Approach

The project underscores sustainability by embracing natural materials, passive ventilation strategies, and maximizing daylight. The thoughtful integration of plants and wooden structures aligns with eco-friendly design principles, transforming Sagarana House into a green urban oasis.

Key Features at a Glance

• Mixed-use architecture combining residential and commercial spaces
• Adaptive reuse of a 1960s structure
• Wooden pavilion extending the commercial zone
• Sensory corridor enhancing spatial experience
• Movable bamboo screens for adaptable privacy
• Integration of natural materials and landscaping

Sagarana House stands as a testament to innovative mixed-use residential design, masterfully balancing functionality, aesthetics, and environmental harmony. Estudio Pedro Haruf and Cristiane Salles Arquitetura & Design have crafted a timeless architectural retreat, setting a benchmark for adaptive reuse projects in urban contexts.

All Photographs are works of Dentro Fotografia