Vila Oxalá I House by Paloma Siqueira Arquiteta: A Harmonious Retreat in Maraú, Brazil

Located in Maraú, Southern Bahia, this 222 m² project by Paloma Siqueira Arquiteta, completed in 2017, blends regional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Featuring materials and products from Cores da Roça, Deca, Madecol, Pau Brasil Marcenaria, and others, it creates a warm, tropical architectural expression rooted in local identity and precision.

Vila Oxalá I House is part of a charming residential project featuring two houses on a 1,475 m² plot located on the serene Peninsula of Maraú in Southern Bahia, Brazil. Nestled amidst lush natural surroundings and only a short distance from the vibrant village of Barra Grande, the property offers a peaceful retreat for its owners—a couple from São Paulo—seeking to slow down life and provide a nurturing environment to raise their children.

Design Concept: Merging Indoor and Outdoor Living

The architectural concept behind Vila Oxalá I focuses on seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large openings, garden views, and generous ventilation create a home that feels open, airy, and intimately connected to nature. Despite its compact footprint, the house delivers comfortable and practical living spaces that maximize views of the surrounding landscape and take full advantage of the pleasant tropical climate.

Volumetry and Layout

The house is composed of two simple volumes with gabled roofs, connected by wooden decks and a pergola. Circulation occurs entirely outdoors, which separates private sleeping areas from the social zones. This arrangement is ideal for a household that frequently entertains family and friends while maintaining quiet, restful bedrooms.

Materials for the construction were selected with a focus on local availability and traditional techniques, including concrete, clay blocks, and wood. By leveraging local craftsmanship, the project emphasizes simplicity, authenticity, and sustainability while respecting regional building traditions.

Bioclimatic Design for Comfort and Efficiency

Vila Oxalá I was carefully oriented along an east-west axis to optimize natural light and thermal comfort. Morning sunlight floods the main living areas, while wet areas shield interiors from the harsh afternoon sun. All enclosed spaces benefit from natural cross-ventilation, achieved through strategically positioned primary openings and elevated secondary vents.

West-facing rooms feature high ceilings and cobogós (perforated bricks) that dissipate heat, keeping interiors comfortably cool year-round without relying on air conditioning in bedrooms and social areas.

Adaptive Features and Sustainability

The home’s design also allows for user-controlled sunlight and ventilation. Wooden hinged shutters and palm-straw roller blinds provide shade, privacy, and aesthetic warmth while maintaining a connection to the outdoor terraces. Elevated 70 cm above the ground, the house protects the floor from rainy-season humidity and ensures easy access to piping and maintenance systems.

Experience and Lifestyle

Vila Oxalá I House is a perfect example of contemporary Brazilian architecture, blending simplicity, comfort, and environmental responsiveness. Its open layouts, local materials, and bioclimatic strategies create a sustainable, light-filled, and naturally ventilated home ideal for family life, relaxation, and entertaining guests.