Casa Taipas
Located in Riviera de São Lourenço, on the coast of Bertioga, São Paulo, Casa Taipas was conceived as a complete renovation of an existing residence, transforming it into a contemporary beach house designed for weekends, holidays, and long periods of family life.
The project responds to the needs of a family of five, creating a more functional and welcoming home for both everyday moments and gatherings with relatives and friends. Rather than replacing the existing character of the house, the intervention sought to preserve its essential features while introducing a more contemporary architectural language, improving natural light, ventilation, comfort, and the connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.
The architectural concept draws from the essence of Portuguese architecture, particularly the traditional buildings of the Alentejo region, interpreted through a contemporary and minimalist approach. This influence is expressed through simple volumes, natural materials, restrained detailing, and a sense of permanence. The work of Aires Mateus was also an important reference, particularly in its exploration of mass, light, proportion, and spatial simplicity.
One of the central strategies was to modernize the existing façade while preserving its original character and the generous double-height spaces. The internal circulation was kept visually open toward the living areas, while the living room was extended toward the exterior, strengthening the relationship between the house and the gardens. The roof was redesigned to allow zenithal light to enter the interior, bringing natural illumination deeper into the house.
Large openings and expanded bedroom windows further reinforce the dialogue between architecture and landscape. The intention was not simply to create visual transparency, but to make the surrounding vegetation an active part of the domestic experience.
The external areas were completely rethought, including the front and rear gardens, accesses, and swimming pool. The new pool was designed as an elevated element with an infinity edge, creating a stronger visual relationship with the surrounding landscape and reinforcing the sense of continuity between the built and natural environments.
Inside, the program was reorganized to accommodate the family's needs while maintaining a sense of openness. The ground floor brings together the living and dining areas, kitchen, gourmet space, and guest accommodation. The kitchen was integrated with the gourmet area, creating a social space designed around cooking and entertaining. The living room and TV room were conceived with the possibility of separation when greater privacy is required.
Materiality plays a fundamental role in defining the atmosphere of the house. The palette combines natural stone, American oak, travertine, exposed concrete, mineral finishes, and wood, creating a balance between contemporary minimalism and a more rustic, coastal character. The use of natural materials was intended to give the spaces a tactile quality and a sense of permanence, while vintage and contemporary furniture pieces introduce layers of time and personality.
The living areas feature terracotta-toned cement flooring and walls finished with a special mineral coating inspired by traditional caiada surfaces. In the kitchen and gourmet areas, Dekton surfaces reinforce the natural and earthy character of the palette. Bedrooms introduce warmer materials, including reclaimed Peroba do Campo flooring, while the bathrooms combine natural stone with clean, minimal detailing.
The project also incorporates Taipa de Pilão, a traditional earthen construction technique, as an ecological and aesthetic element. Its mineral texture contributes to the identity of the façade while reinforcing the project's relationship with natural materials and traditional architectural practices.
The result is a house that seeks balance rather than excess. Its architecture is defined by simple volumes, natural light, honest materials, and carefully framed views of the landscape. The spaces are designed to feel calm, timeless, and welcoming, allowing architecture, vegetation, and daily life to coexist naturally.
Casa Taipas is ultimately conceived as a retreat: a contemporary home that preserves a sense of permanence and materiality while responding to the informal, collective character of a beach house.
