Beachfront beach house of 857 m² gets a contemporary renovation

Located in the Região dos Lagos, in Rio de Janeiro, this house right on the sand underwent an extensive renovation led by Paula Neder, in partnership with the professionals of Coletivo PN+ (all from the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro roster). Set on a 1,707 m² lot and with about 857 m² of built area, the two-story residence was originally designed by Otávio Raja Gabaglia and was acquired by the current owners already in a compromised state of preservation, which required a complete renovation of the interiors, in addition to an expansion project developed by the home’s author.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

Longtime clients of the firm, the residents — who use the property both for the family and to receive guests — were seeking a light, comfortable, and practical house, with generous gathering spaces and welcoming bedrooms. The proposal started from respect for the original configuration and the beach essence of the architecture, promoting a contemporary update without breaking with its identity. The structure was preserved, but the layouts were entirely redesigned to improve functionality, with interventions such as the integration of the kitchen with the dining room and the expansion of the gym, in addition to a complete renewal of the millwork, lighting, furniture, and finishes.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

Organized on two levels, the ground floor concentrates the social and wellness areas, with large, integrated projects facing both the internal garden and the sea. Among them are living and TV rooms, a dining area connected to the kitchen, two suites, as well as spaces dedicated to relaxation, such as a gym, massage room, sauna, and jacuzzi. On the upper floor, three other suites are laid out from the main hall, while the master suite occupies an independent wing, ensuring greater privacy.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

The U-shaped layout structures the ground floor around a central area with a pool and veranda, creating a protected dynamic for social interaction that is at the same time integrated with the outdoors. Facing the sea, the outdoor area extends with a linear pool connected to another property owned by the family and a deck with a wooden pergola, forming a contemplative space that reinforces the relationship with the landscape.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

Inside, the decor follows a contemporary style with a strong beach influence, favoring natural materials such as wood and fibers, as well as a color palette that recalls the hues of the surroundings — between neutrals, blues, and soft greens. Part of the residents’ collection of furniture and artworks was incorporated into the project, such as sideboards, china cabinets, and paintings distributed across the projects, lending identity and memory to the spaces.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

Among the new choices, Brazilian design takes center stage, with pieces that combine comfort and a timeless language, highlighting the Mia armchair, by Jader Almeida; the Pitu chaises, by Aristeu Pires; the Oscar chairs, the Benjamin armchair, and the Tcheko table lamp, by Sergio Rodrigues; the Linna armchair, by Ronald Sasson; the Rosá coffee table, by Maria Cândida Machado; the Munick chairs, by Jader Almeida; the Madamme armchairs, by Ricardo Van Steen; and the Gamela pendant lights, by Lia Siqueira.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

One of the highlights is the tile panel by Coletivo MUDA, installed at the back of the dining room integrated with the kitchen, which translates the maritime landscape into colors and textures, creating a visual continuity between interior and exterior. The large-format, sand-toned porcelain flooring runs through practically the entire house, reinforcing the unity of the projects, while the white walls contribute to a light, luminous atmosphere.

Projeto de Paula Neder. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio | Produção visual: Andrea Falchi/CASACOR)

Carried out over approximately a year, the project’s main challenge was the exposed roof and structural woodwork, striking elements of the original architecture. The solution was to adopt a lighter, more balanced decor, capable of dialoguing with these structures without competing with them.