Timeless and sustainable beach house has a broad connection with greenery

Designed by architect David Bastos (from the CASACOR São Paulo lineup), this beach house with two floors is located in a gated community in Guarujá, on the southern coast of São Paulo. Built on a 1,950 m² lot, with 690 m² of built area, the residence was designed for an entrepreneurial couple who sought a generous retreat, integrated with nature and with a strong visual connection among the social projects. "They came to us through friends who were already our clients. They got to know our work by visiting some of those projects and also through publications about the studio," says David Bastos.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

From the first site visits, the architect realized that the old house, quite rigid and constrained by the condominium’s previous building rules, would not allow for a significant expansion. Thus, the decision to demolish proved to be the right one, making it possible to conceive a new home fully tailored to the couple’s needs. In compliance with local regulations, the design was implemented within the same footprint as the original construction. The design concept stemmed from the desire to create a beach house with a contemporary language, uniting comfort, lightness, and total integration with nature. Simple lines, natural materials, and large openings define a timeless, airy aesthetic in constant dialogue with greenery.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

The new residence was built with a conventional reinforced-concrete structure—columns, beams, and slabs—and finishes that highlight the materials’ natural character. Moledo stone appears in the pool, in wet areas, and on parts of the facade, while reforested wood is used on decks, eaves, soffits, and frames. Slatted panels and expanses of glass complete the ensemble, promoting a fluid relationship between indoors and outdoors.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

Sustainable solutions were adopted on several fronts: solar panels for energy generation, maximizing natural light through openings and skylights, LED lamps, and low-consumption fixtures and equipment. The rainwater harvesting system supplies garden irrigation, and certified woods and water-based paints reinforce the commitment to sustainability. In addition, cross-ventilation ensures thermal comfort, and the use of technology and automation optimizes energy consumption.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

On the ground floor, with the exception of the kitchen and the powder room, all the projects connect fluidly. The foyer and staircase lead to the living, dining, and wine cellar areas, which open completely to the gourmet area and the pool. On the upper floor, the bedrooms face the landscaping, and a gallery interlinks the projects, allowing a privileged view of the double-height social area, 6.7 m high.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

In the decor, only a few pieces were reused from the clients’ collection—among them, a marquetry chest of drawers turned into a side table in the living room, a trunk, some artworks, and the blue side tables from one of the suites. About 95% of the furniture is new, chosen to reinforce the beachy, light, and welcoming atmosphere desired by the client.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

Shades of blue and white appear on the cushions, made with imported fabrics, over a neutral base of sofas and armchairs. The natural-fiber rug lends unity to the project. The dining table, designed by DB Arquitetos, features a Yellow Bamboo stone top and is paired with fiber chairs. The Lacrima del Pescatore light by Ingo Maurer adds a sculptural, sophisticated touch.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

In the art curation, the standout is a sculpture by Armarinhos Teixeira, acquired especially for the project, while the other works belong to the clients’ collection—among them a painting by the artist Adriana Duque, in a prominent position on the main living-room wall. The color palette is dominated by the natural tones of woods and fibers used in rugs, chairs, and finishes, paired with the organic textures of wallcoverings. Shades of blue and white appear in different projects, reinforcing the sense of freshness and the beach identity of the house.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

In the couple’s bedroom, bi-fold frames allow a full opening to the balcony, connecting the project to the landscape. The grasscloth wallcovering and the fabrics used for cushions, curtains, and the bench at the foot of the bed create a cozy, natural feel.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

The gourmet area, conceived as a large veranda right below the master suite, reflects the home’s relaxed essence. Materials such as stone, wood, and straw weaves, along with dendê palm curtains that filter natural light, compose a welcoming gathering space. The protagonist is the pequiá wood table, 5.50 m long, which asserts itself as the family’s meeting point.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

The pool, clad in Vitória Régia green marble, balances sophistication and naturalness. The cumaru wood deck reinforces the sense of comfort and visual continuity with the surroundings.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/CASACOR)

One of the high points of the design is in the living room, where sliding wood and clear-glass frames align with the 6.7 m ceiling height, without joints—a technical and aesthetic feat that enhances the breadth and the integration with the outside.