Located in a gated community on the outskirts of Curitiba, Casa Moldura was designed to serve as a weekend retreat for a family that lives in a bustling part of the city. Built on a flat, rectangular plot that is large in terms of the needs and the program, the project resulted in a single-story house.

The family’s wish was for a quiet place, and one of the key considerations was the proximity of neighbors and the surrounding environment. As a solution, the house turns inward. A concrete frame was created, running along the perimeter of the lot and gradually dissolving—at times to make room for nature, and at other times forming solid blocks. The design proposes a contrast between the subtle and the dense, the warm and the cool. The house itself consists of a sloped roof and a wooden skeleton resting on a concrete base.

At the rear façade, the rhythm and simplicity of the glued laminated timber structure were developed in partnership with ITA Construtora. The house blends very distinct construction technologies—reinforced concrete in areas most vulnerable to rain and humidity, and a wooden structure housing the living rooms and bedrooms. The large eaves bring comfort to the interior spaces and ensure durability for the structure. In the living room, a curated selection of Brazilian and local design pieces make up the furniture.

The landscaping of the outdoor area was carefully planned for contemplation and refuge. For this, the presence of the four elements is crucial. Water, present in the pool, evokes energy and fun. Fire brings warmth and brings people together with good food and stories. Air brings movement, sounds, and sensations. Earth fosters a connection with oneself and introspection. Thus, architecture and nature trace the outline of the land, forming the “Frame” (Moldura) that defines the territory and protects the house’s most lived-in spaces.