Valencia House – Luxurious Summer Retreat in the Heart of Brazil

Located in the countryside near São Paulo, Valência House is a carefully designed summer retreat aimed at bringing the family together in the tranquility of the natural environment.

The central concept of the project is to promote a direct integration between the natural surroundings and the interior of the residence, achieved through spacious and permeable social spaces.

To meet the demands and program established by the client, Padovani Arquitetos designed a vacation home that reflects the need for spacious and welcoming areas to host friends and family. Emphasis was placed on the harmonious integration between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an atmosphere of seamless and enjoyable socializing. The house, which comprises seven suites, offers the comfort and privacy necessary for guests. Additionally, essential recreational areas were incorporated, such as a pool for relaxation and a gym for physical activities. The project aims to blend functionality, aesthetics, and comfort, fully meeting the client's expectations and needs.

The design concept of the vacation home was strongly influenced by the initial sketch, which served as a solid foundation for the conception. The implementation concept stems from respect for the topography and gentle integration by positioning the main block and the respective overlays of adjacent blocks, resulting in a light and distinctive volumetry. The premise was that the main block of the residence would be partially embedded in the terrain, taking advantage of the natural slope of the topography and different levels. This approach allowed for the conception of a three-story residence in a way that minimizes verticality, adapting to the existing terrain. Thus, the volumetry resulted in slender lines defined by the metal structure of the upper eaves, emphasizing horizontal lines in the overall design, which balances the scale of a house where the large footage and the verticality of three stories require precision in creating the correct proportion in each space.

Among the key elements that influenced the choice of the architectural concept were the framing of breathtaking panoramic views, the utilization of the terrain's slope as an integral part of the design, and the strategic overlay of blocks to create a visually compelling composition. Emphasizing integration with the natural surroundings and maximizing views was a key consideration, ensuring that the residence harmonized with the surrounding environment while offering comfortable and functional living spaces. Sketches and evolutionary design studies were crucial for refining and developing these concepts throughout the design process.

The site where the project was implemented lacks significant buildings in its immediate surroundings. This characteristic provides a sense of privacy, with large open spaces between constructions. The design of the residence, therefore, did not have to conform to existing vernacular modes of architecture in the surroundings. Instead, it was chosen to follow an approach that reflects Brazilian architectural identity, especially concerning materiality.

A deliberate choice was made to utilize Brazilian vernacular materials such as wood and stone in the construction of the residence. These materials not only harmoniously integrate into the natural and cultural context of the country, but also offer practical benefits such as durability, resistance, and a sophisticated and welcoming aesthetic. By adopting this approach, the project seeks to establish a genuine connection with the landscape and the Brazilian architectural heritage while providing a contemporary and comfortable expression for its occupants.

Therefore, while the design was not directly influenced by the predominant vernacular styles in the region, the conscious choice of materials and construction elements that reflect the Brazilian cultural identity demonstrates a commitment to contextualization and architectural authenticity.