Country house adds an annex amid nature for up to 40 people

Designed by architect Marcela Martins — part of the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro lineup — this leisure annex was conceived as a natural extension of a country house located in Araras, a mountain district of Petrópolis (RJ). The concept arose from the wish of a fashion-industry entrepreneur — father of three — to create a generous space for gathering and entertainment that could serve both the family’s everyday life and larger get-togethers with friends. From the outset, the architect’s main guideline was to avoid the impression of an added-on volume, drawing the new program in full integration with the main house, ensuring architectural unity and a direct dialogue with the region’s natural landscape.

Projeto de Marcela Martins. (Fotos: Denilson Machado e Lilia Mendel | Produção: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

To that end, the project started from a preexisting structure whose exposed log framework was preserved along with the roof, allowing a complete transformation of the interior layout. According to the architect, the original configuration featured solutions that no longer matched contemporary ways of gathering, such as a barbecue that was isolated and set lower than the other spaces. Building on this structural base, the new design reorganized the spaces and expanded the program, creating multiple areas for shared use.

Projeto de Marcela Martins. (Fotos: Denilson Machado e Lilia Mendel | Produção: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

With 210 m² of covered area and another 270 m² devoted to the deck and pool, the annex was arranged on two levels. On the lower level, reached by stairs and a ramp, the support areas are concentrated — massage room, gym, and suite for guests — connected by a corridor fitted with an open shelving unit to store floats and wet toys, complemented by a linen-blend curtain. On the main level, all leisure areas interconnect, both in the covered zones and outdoors.

Projeto de Marcela Martins. (Fotos: Denilson Machado e Lilia Mendel | Produção: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

Outside, the deck brings together the pool, lounge areas, sun chaises, umbrellas, and side tables for casual meals. In the covered area, the highlight is the gourmet space, equipped with a honed Gabana quartzite counter, custom range hood, charcoal parrilla, gas grill, cooktop, and pizza oven, plus an island with sink, draft beer dispenser, and a bar-height wooden table. The program also includes dining tables, a TV area, a spa with a seven-person jacuzzi, relaxation zones, a full bathroom, and two types of sauna: dry and steam.

Projeto de Marcela Martins. (Fotos: Denilson Machado e Lilia Mendel | Produção: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

The pool also underwent a complete renovation, prompted by leaks, the need for new waterproofing, and the installation of an automated safety cover. The new design prioritized functionality and inclusivity, incorporating submerged steps, a shallow sun shelf, and two swim lanes. Measuring 26 m in length by 5 m in width, the ensemble was divided between an adult area of 22 linear meters — including the sun shelf — and a portion dedicated to the children’s pool and the shallow walkway. The cladding was updated to matte, stone-washed blue ceramic tiles in the 20 × 20 cm format, replacing the old royal-blue glazed mosaics.

Projeto de Marcela Martins. (Fotos: Denilson Machado e Lilia Mendel | Produção: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

The construction system preserves the exposed log structure, complemented by a wood slat ceiling and sections of gypsum in the “saia e blusa” scheme, in tune with the main residence. On the glass roofs, mats made of wooden strips act as ceiling shades and interior lining. The walls received hand-applied cushioned pedra madeira stone, with selective use of mirrors, while the frames combine wood and glass. The roof follows the main house’s pattern, with four pitches and clay tiles.

The choice of materials reinforces the connection with the mountainous surroundings, with a predominance of wood and stone and a palette inspired by the landscape’s colors — beiges, browns, earth tones, and greens — creating continuity between architecture and nature. Blue appears as an accent, especially in the pool and spa finishes. This atmosphere is strengthened by the use of the same sand-toned porcelain tile indoors and out, applied in a non-slip finish to ensure safety and visual continuity.

Projeto de Marcela Martins. (Fotos: Denilson Machado e Lilia Mendel | Produção: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

In the decor, several pieces already belonging to the client were restored or repurposed, among them dining tables, the TV area sofa, a massage-room armchair, and refurbished side tables. An old bookcase was transformed into an open wardrobe in the guest suite, while another piece now serves as a counter with sink in the massage room. New furnishings were chosen with durability and resistance to heavy use in outdoor and wet areas in mind, featuring aluminum structures and nautical webbing paired with comfortable, waterproof fabrics.

Projeto de Marcela Martins. (Fotos: Denilson Machado e Lilia Mendel | Produção: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

With a contemporary, personal, and emotive style, the project was developed and executed over a year and a half. “The biggest challenge was creating a space that is equally welcoming for solitary moments and functional for hosting groups of up to 40 people, balancing scale, comfort, and well-being,” concludes architect Marcela Martins.