Casa XIXOVÁ

Gabriel Fernandes

• Architects

The dream of a house, dreamed of for years, finally came true with the design of Casa XIXOVÁ, a 130m² two-story residence located in Praia Grande (SP), designed by architect Bianca Marques, head of the firm Bimá Arquitetura. The property, purchased while still in the planning stage by friends of the architect's family, remained unchanged for years, until the owners decided to carry out the long-awaited complete project — a promise made since the beginning of Bianca's professional career.

After years of living in the house, the residents had already identified several demands and discomforts in the original spaces. Based on this, the project proposed a complete redefinition of the spaces, with structural modifications and layout solutions that ensured greater comfort, integration, and practicality.

photo_credit Gabriel Fernandes — Gabriel Fernandes

In the garage, the space previously reserved solely for cars has become one of the house's favorite rooms: a new barbecue area was positioned right at the entrance, replacing the old back hallway and allowing for more spacious social gatherings. The space, now leveled and optimized, even features a beer cooler.

Upon entering the home, a shoe rack under the stairs organizes the family's daily routine, while the living and dining room was repositioned to integrate with the new kitchen, now designed so the client could relax on the sofa without seeing the sink full of dishes. The blue kitchen, a longtime dream of the homeowner, features custom-made cabinetry with neutral tones on the upper floor to maintain a light and timeless feel. The chosen blue also appears in the powder room, camouflaged by the living room's slatted paneling, revealing a versatile and welcoming space.

In the back, the laundry room was relocated and now features a large granite countertop and extra cabinet space, making better use of the space under the stairs. On the upper floor, the two suites were completely renovated. The master bedroom prioritized comfort and organization, with a king-size bed and smart storage solutions. The bedroom for the children, who are of very different ages, was a creative challenge: the architect designed a metal structure with a suspended bed, a trundle bed, and integrated desks, respecting the individualities and needs of both. The bathroom door is even discreetly hidden in the cabinet's woodwork.

The design language adopted throughout is contemporary, with a soft palette, strategic use of coverings, and custom furniture. The project took about four months to develop, and the construction took 12 months.

Among the materials and suppliers used in the Casa XIXOVÁ project, Portobello and Portinari flooring stand out, bringing sophistication and personality to the spaces. The marble and granite were supplied by Promármore, while the custom carpentry was by Molinari Marcenaria. The metalwork was done by Andrade Vidros, and the lighting project featured pieces by Lelux Iluminação. Metalwork and china were supplied by ABC da Construção Praia Grande, and the decorative items were curated by Gabriel Fernandes from the Acervo Aberto collection.

Among the chosen pieces, the Psilo glass coffee table, designed by Nicole Tomazi and Sérgio Cabral, stands out, as well as works of art that give identity to the spaces: in the living room, a woodcut by Pablo Borges and the painting Vaqueiro (1982), positioned above the sideboard, reinforce the project's affective and cultural link with the family's memory and history.

Casa XIXOVÁ is the embodiment of an affectionate, contemporary and functional project, which respects the family's history, with the sensitive and detailed signature of an architect who grew up alongside the dream of these clients.