Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Casa da Orla
Gustavo Xavier

Casa da Orla

Owner/family profile (information provided in your office briefing at the time of project development).
About the family:

Couple with a teenage daughter. A three-bedroom residence spread over two floors. The ground floor houses the “social areas”, with a focus on integrating environments and contact with nature. While the upper floor houses the “intimate areas”, with a focus on privacy and enhancing the landscape.

What were the owner's requests and expectations for the project and how were they met?
One of the premises of the Project was to create a “Home for the family”.

The clients' desire was for a house where the internal spaces were designed to provide comfort for everyone and the external spaces were integrated with nature. To achieve this, the ''intimate area'' is located on the upper floor, providing privacy for everyone. And the ‘’social area’’ arranged on the ground floor, with integrated environments and surrounded by landscaping that seems to permeate the building, enabling proximity to nature in each space.

photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier
photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier

Is it construction, renovation or interior design renovation? If it was a renovation, what was the internal distribution of the property like afterwards?
It is a construction from scratch. The residence project makes maximum use of the land, focusing on enhancing internal and external spaces.

What is the inspiration and conception of the project?
One of the inspirations for the project was the view of the land and the context in which it is located. Located in the Pampulha region, one of the main tourist attractions in Belo Horizonte and with a privileged view of the Church of São Francisco de Assis, popularly known as “Igrejinha da Pampulha”, one of the main postcards of Belo Horizonte.

The project was designed to enhance the view. Therefore, large openings were created to allow contemplation.

In the master suite, the window opening creates a kind of frame for the “Igrejinha da Pampulha”, further enhancing this important work by Architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Is there a starting point that you consider to be the key to the project?

The location where it is located and the privileged view were starting points for the Project. And after completion, it is possible to say that the Project was a response to the understanding of the place.

photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier
photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier

What factors were analyzed when choosing covering materials? What materials stand out? Are there any ecological or technological materials that deserve to be detailed?
Materiality is defined by the use of natural materials, such as wood and natural rocks. All elements have similar tones, forming a neutral and sober palette.

In the interior project, contemporary pieces were selected by big names in Brazilian design such as Sergio Rodrigues and Jader Almeida.

Highlight the Mole Armchair, an icon of Brazilian design, designed by Architect and Designer Sergio Rodrigues. This piece was chosen, together with the clients, to bring comfort and warmth to the Couple's Suite. It is an item that invites you to contemplate the view.

The furniture composition includes materials such as wood, natural linen, leather and cotton fabrics, all in sober tones.

The landscaping consists of tropical species, chosen to make spaces more comfortable and airy, as well as fruit trees. Highlight for the Jabuticabeira, located close to the kitchen.

The position of the gardens was strategically chosen with the aim of enhancing natural light in the interiors and ensuring contact with nature, so requested by clients.

The choice of all materials guarantees elegance and Brazilianness, making spaces more cozy and inviting.

The work was monitored by the office from start to finish, from the architectural design, interior design and landscape design, highlighting the harmony between all the elements in the final result.

photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier
photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier

Description of each environment (concept, materials used, etc.).

LIVING/DINING ROOM:
The ground floor has large openings to the outside, integrating the “social” environments with the external garden. The double ceiling height in the Living room creates a connection with the “intimate area” of the residence, creating integration between the environments, without losing the family’s privacy.

SECOND FLOOR
The three suites are located on the upper floor, next to the Home TV and the uncovered balcony, a kind of social area for the family.

The second floor has large openings that allow you to enjoy the view. The use of natural finishes and coverings, such as wood, rocks and fabrics, bring warmth and comfort. When accessing the second floor, the wooden staircase beautifies the path, combining design and functionality.

KITCHEN and GOURMET AREA:
To meet customers' wishes, the kitchen and gourmet area integrated into the pool form spaces to welcome friends and family for moments of fun.

The composition of the kitchen combines privacy and integration. It is possible to integrate it into external environments by opening the doors. To achieve this, a system was used that allows all door leaves to be opened completely, creating a versatile and functional space.

photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier
photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier

Team:
Architect: Lucas Lage
Photo Credit: Gustavo Xavier, Studio NY18

photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier
photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier

Material Used:
1. A de Arte 
2. Marcenaria Leopoldina
3. Baracho Pedras 
4. Bel lar
5. CCR Decor 
6. Giselle Decorações 
7. Smart Automação, áudio e vídeo 
8. Sumisura Casa 
9. Terra Tile 
10. Ozônio Toldos e persianas 
11. Infinito vidros 
12. Lidea

photo_credit Gustavo Xavier
Gustavo Xavier
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