Project: Casa Maria Rosa
Architecture: VAGA Arquitetura
Authors: Fernando O’Leary, Pedro Domingues, Pedro Faria
Collaborators: Giovana Custódio, Gabriela Inomata, Tali Liberman
Landscaping: Seiva and Cláudia Gasparian
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Year: 2021
Photo Credits: Carolina Lacaz
VAGA Arquitetura renovated Casa Maria Rosa into a peaceful escape within the busy neighborhood of Itaim Bibi, São Paulo. Located in a village of semi-detached houses, the home now feels calm and welcoming, mixing modern style with touches of nostalgia.
Creating Calm and Peace
Firstly, the main goal was to create a calm space for the resident and her guests. To achieve this, architects connected the house more closely to the backyard, creating a garden-like area rare in a big city. Additionally, small but meaningful changes improved the home’s layout without altering its original charm.
Thoughtful Space Planning
Casa Maria Rosa has three floors, with the main entry on the middle floor. Specifically, this floor was redesigned to have a larger living room near the entrance and a kitchen facing the garden. Moreover, expanding the outdoor area brought more green space and tranquility into daily life.
Furthermore, an external staircase was moved inside the home, freeing up outdoor space and bringing in more natural light. Consequently, the lower floor now has flexible spaces like a workspace, game area, TV room, and small bathroom. As a result, each of these areas enjoys better light and garden views.
Blending Old with New
Importantly, the renovation blends modern elements with traditional materials. Architects kept original materials like brick, concrete, and wood, combining them with new finishes. Thus, this approach highlights the home’s simple and rustic beauty. On the top floor, minor updates made the bedrooms and bathroom more comfortable while keeping their cozy feel.
Creating Warm Memories
Ultimately, Casa Maria Rosa now feels functional yet warm, thanks to careful choices in design and materials. By connecting the past with the present, the project creates a strong sense of belonging and comfort. Indeed, it shows how city living can be both peaceful and emotionally rewarding.
