Architects:PJV Arquitetura

Area:291m²

Year:2024

Photographs:Alexandre Zelinski

Category:Houses

Principal Architect:Pablo José Vailatti

Co Author:Arq. Ana Cristina Meirinho Neves

City:Balneário Piçarras

Country:Brazil

Text description provided by the architects. Garden in the heart of every home as a breath. The TT Houses arise from the idea that even on compact lots, it is possible to create generous, airy, and surprising spaces capable of transforming the living experience.

Located in Balneário Piçarras, about 500 meters from the beach, the two residences occupy a narrow lot facing northwest, with strong sun exposure in the afternoon. From the beginning, the client sought a design that would stand out from the conventional twin constructions in the region, focusing on construction quality, environmental comfort, and spaces capable of accommodating small families over time. An important request was for one of the houses to function entirely on the ground floor, anticipating different family configurations and enhancing use flexibility.

The design organizes the houses into three levels, with social areas on the ground floor, bedrooms on the upper floor, and leisure terraces on the roof, where the backyard expands vertically to accommodate a spa, sun deck, and barbecue area. However, it is the internal patio that structures the project experience. Inserted in the center of the layout, it acts as a garden, thermal breathing space, and surprise element, bringing natural light, cross ventilation, and a constant sense of connection with the outside. The social area is organized around it, enhanced by large openings that integrate interior and exterior fluidly.

The vertical circulation occurs via a linear concrete staircase positioned right at the entrance, marking the spatial journey from access to the upper terraces. On the intimate floor, the patio reappears as the protagonist, visually connecting the bedrooms to the internal garden through floor-to-ceiling openings, reinforcing the sense of lightness and continuity between the spaces.

The architectural language is direct and expressive. The exposed concrete structure defines the shape of the houses, noticeable both on the facades and interiors, while the upper volume stands out as a continuous frame that houses the balcony of the master suite. In contrast, pointed elements, such as the circular window and the cylindrical pilotis next to the staircase, introduce delicacy and uniqueness to the composition. The materials - concrete, solid brick, glass, wood, and black-painted aluminum frames - were chosen for their durability, constructive honesty, and suitability to the coastal context, resulting in robust yet welcoming environments.

Environmental comfort solutions arise integrated into the design, with simple resources: the abundance of natural light, cross ventilation promoted by the patio and generous openings, and the organization of spaces ensure pleasant environments throughout the year, reducing the need for artificial climate control and enhancing quality of life.

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