Conceived during the isolation of the pandemic, Passive House reflects a conscious shift toward autonomy, simplicity, and a closer relationship with nature. Designed by Mareines Arquitetura, the residence is located on a large rural plot in the interior of São Paulo that has undergone an ongoing process of reforestation in collaboration with Vistara Landscape Architecture. Rather than treating sustainability as an added performance layer, the project embeds environmental thinking into its spatial, material, and formal decisions from the outset.
The architecture engages the land as both context and material source. The house is positioned to respect existing topography, water flows, and vegetation cycles, allowing the building to feel as though it emerges naturally from the site rather than occupying it as an object.
A cloistered centre
The organisational heart of the project is a triangular, walled garden planted with diverse native species. Protected by three architectural ‘arms,’ this garden reinterprets the cloister typology traditionally found in monasteries. It functions as a space for pause, contemplation, and thermal regulation, offering shade, filtered light, and a constant visual connection to greenery. The garden establishes a calm internal world that anchors daily life while reinforcing the project’s introspective character.
Fluid domestic organisation
The residence is composed of two main volumes arranged around this central garden. The ground floor accommodates social areas and guest suites in an open, continuous layout. Rather than relying on partitions, spatial distinctions are formed through subtle cues: the reflection of water, the placement of furniture, changes in roof curvature, and variations in natural light. This approach encourages flexible use while maintaining a sense of intimacy and orientation.
The upper volume is reserved for the master suite, positioned above the garden to ensure privacy and expansive views over the surrounding land. This elevated placement separates retreat from social activity, reinforcing a calm, self-contained atmosphere even when the house is occupied by guests.
Passive environmental strategies
A defining architectural feature is the exposed brick roof with its pronounced curvature. Beyond its expressive quality, the roof performs multiple environmental functions. It collects rainwater, directing it toward the pool, and works in tandem with double slab construction and generous eaves to promote passive cooling. These elements reduce heat gain and allow the interiors to remain comfortable without the need for air conditioning.
The building’s massing, orientation, and roof overhangs are carefully calibrated to control sunlight throughout the day, ensuring shaded outdoor areas and moderated interior temperatures. By relying on passive strategies rather than mechanical systems, the house minimises energy demand while enhancing comfort.
