A Farmhouse in Campinas — Revisiting the Architecture of Ramos de Azevedo Perched on a plateau overlooking the rolling landscape of the São Paulo countryside, the manor house announces itself from afar with its yellow silhouette, framed by cutout parapets and ornate cast-iron roof cresting—the unmistakable signature of Ramos de Azevedo’s eclectic style.
Centuries-old imperial palms, lining the packed-earth paths like a procession, draw the eye to the façade, where cobalt-blue window frames punctuate the painted masonry and arched windows frame each room with understated elegance. At the rear, a glazed veranda with blue latticework projects over a ground-level arched entrance, flanked by curved staircases that descend gently toward a geometric garden and a sky-reflecting pool—an architectural gesture that, even in the last century, heralded the home’s contemplative spirit. Nothing here has been altered: every detail of stonework, iron, and plaster remains true to the original design—a silent witness to an era and an architectural vision that the contemporary intervention chose to preserve in its entirety.
The veranda welcomes visitors with the generosity typical of old São Paulo farmhouses. Beneath the wooden ceiling and cobalt-blue latticework—which filters the light into geometric patterns—woven-fiber armchairs and blue upholstery invite relaxation, while a hammock hangs discreetly beside the colorful, framed glass doors. Original hydraulic tiles in earthy tones anchor the space in tradition, and the view opens onto the lawn and the imperial palms rising against the horizon—an invitation to connect directly with the landscape that has defined the property’s character since its inception. Inside, the living and dining rooms retain their original grandeur—high ceilings, cornices featuring floral friezes, and fine hardwood plank flooring—yet take on new life through contemporary furnishings. Caramel leather sofas and swivel armchairs with metal frames converse effortlessly with antique paintings and the sparkle of a crystal chandelier, creating a dialogue between eras that has become the project's signature. In the dining room, the long jacaranda table and the century-old pendulum clock stand as guardians of the home's memory, now framed by indirect lighting that subtly modernizes the atmosphere without erasing its history.
The master suite underwent the most significant transformation. An imposing floor-to-ceiling slatted wood panel—extending into an open-work partition—completely reorganizes the room's layout. It creates fluid transitions between the sleeping area, the walk-in closet, and ancillary spaces, while filtering light from the original windows to create a dynamic interplay of shadows. This suite also houses the new master bathroom—created in a space that was formerly a bedroom—featuring a contemporary design with floor-to-ceiling travertine, a fluted-glass shower enclosure framed in darkened metal, and a floating double vanity that harmonizes with the natural light from the preserved historic window frames. It is a deliberate contrast between the minimalist rigor of the new design and the understated ornamentation echoing the home's original character.
The former guest room was repurposed as a future caregiver’s room, complete with a dedicated bathroom finished in a monochromatic sand palette: travertine walls, a solid wood vanity, and a rounded-edge mirror that visually expands the narrow space by reflecting the hallway and the light streaming in from the rear window.
The kitchen, meanwhile, was fully revitalized to strike a balance between heritage and contemporary style. Colorful hydraulic tiles featuring blue and yellow floral patterns cover the walls as a tribute to Brazilian decorative tradition, while deep-blue cabinets and stainless-steel appliances introduce modern functionality without disrupting the welcoming spirit of the original space.
On the outside, nothing has changed: the facades remain untouched, faithful to Ramos de Azevedo’s design—proof that the most profound transformation can take place entirely within, without ever disrespecting the surrounding legacy.
