- Project: Enseada House
- Architect: Arquitetura Nacional
- Location: Brazil, Xangri-Lá
- Year: 2016
- Area: 317 m2
- Photography: Marcelo Donadussi
Arquitetura Nacional has completed the Enseada House, a 3,412 sq ft vacation residence in Xangri-Lá, Brazil. Designed for a young couple seeking a weekend and holiday retreat, the home embodies modern coastal living through its layered volumes, natural materials, and strong indoor-outdoor connection.
Stacked Volumes and Material Expression
The design concept is defined by two offset stacked volumes, each expressed in a distinct material:
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Ground floor: A warm wooden structure, open and transparent, connecting seamlessly with outdoor living spaces.
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Upper floor: A concrete mass, grounded and monumental, with marble panel details around the bedroom windows.
This configuration creates deep overhangs that shade the lower level, allowing flexible outdoor living regardless of the season.
Integration with the Landscape
Located within a gated community, the house did not require perimeter fencing. This allowed the architects to maximize the lakefront views and create fluid, shaded spaces that extend the living areas outward.
A striking feature is the staircase volume covered in greenery, which acts as a natural connector between the two levels, softening the geometry of the stacked volumes and reinforcing the house’s integration with its landscape.
Flexible Spaces for Vacation Living
The open-plan living and dining areas expand toward the exterior terraces, designed for seasonal flexibility. The shaded outdoor areas are central to the vacation lifestyle, providing generous space for gatherings with family and friends.
The master suite enjoys privacy and panoramic views, while the upper-level bedrooms benefit from carefully placed openings that frame the surrounding landscape.
Technology and Efficiency
The project was executed under a tight schedule, with both design and construction completed in less than a year. The team utilized BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology to coordinate materials, suppliers, and construction phases, ensuring efficiency and avoiding delays.
This approach demonstrates how digital tools can optimize design-to-construction workflows, especially in projects where precision and deadlines are critical.
A Modern Coastal Retreat
The Enseada House exemplifies Brazilian contemporary coastal architecture, balancing natural materials, modern construction techniques, and environmental sensitivity. With its stacked concrete and wood volumes, lush green integration, and seamless connection to the outdoors, the residence delivers a serene yet vibrant escape for family living and entertaining.
