See how old and new mix at CASACOR Bahia 2025

Installed in a symbolic location in Salvador, the CASACOR Bahia 2025 carries a unique historical value. The ancient Convento Nossa Senhora das Mercês, founded by the Ursuline Sisters in 1735, was opened to the public for the first time with a cultural and emotional proposal that goes beyond architecture and design. Home to a school dedicated exclusively to the education of girls until the 1980s, the space remained closed to the public for almost three centuries. "This opening represents a powerful gesture of connection between past and present," says Mai Saraiva, marketing director of the exhibition. This idea resonated in the creation of the 43 projects of CASACOR Bahia, designed by architects and interior designers, who honored the original architecture of the convent, blending careful inserts of contemporary elements. Check out some of these ideas in the selection below!

Triumphal Entrance

Right at the entrance of CASACOR Bahia, visitors encounter a good example of how the old and new meet in the exhibition. The ticket office, designed by NN Arquitetos, proposes a sensory experience with references from medieval style and minimalist style. Natural materials, diffused light, and a serene color palette reinforce the sacred character of the space and highlight the convent's structure, which was left exposed.

Harmonious Coexistence

Signed by architect João Gabriel, this space has an ambiance that values time as the greatest teacher. Hydraulic tiles, wood, and adobe walls were preserved by the professional, who further enhanced these elements. Instead of hiding the marks, he used them as part of the narrative. Additionally, the curation mixes pieces from antiquity with contemporary objects and furniture.

Restored Floor

In the living room created by Avelo Arquitetura at CASACOR Bahia, the original floors were carefully preserved and restored, enhancing the history and memory of the space. The process included cleaning to remove accumulated residues over time, leveling damaged pieces, and applying special treatment to enhance the natural colors and textures of the material. With this, the architects reinforced their commitment to sustainability and the preservation of heritage. "Upon arriving at the former rooms that housed cloistered nuns, our attention was immediately drawn to the original elements that carried valuable memories. We decided to preserve them so that the building's history would serve as a basis to tell our own," say architects Daniela Agulha and Luiza Gaspar.

Organic Integration

The architect Nath Veloso also decided to preserve and enhance original elements of the suite she designed for the exhibition. "We decided to keep the floor, valuing the history and emotional memory of the project," she states. Made of wood, the floor exhibits a warm and natural tone, which contributed to the welcoming atmosphere that the professional desired to create. "During the works, we did careful sanding and revitalization, preserving as much as possible the original characteristics of the material. We also applied a protective finish to ensure durability and highlight the natural texture of the wood," she adds. Around, the color palette and materials were chosen to visually dialogue with the wooden floor, such as earth tones, natural fibers, ropes, and plants.

History on Display

The space signed by architect and visual producer Hugo Ribeiro occupies an old hallway, where original elements such as the century-old floor and the historical staircase were preserved. The inspiration comes from the marks of cloister still visible in the place, translated into a curation of sacred pieces, antiques, and contemporary art. "During the works we discovered that besides the floor, we also had the opportunity to work with an existing wooden ceiling. Wood is timeless and easy to harmonize with any other material. We only had to be careful in choosing colors and finishes," says the professional.

Bicolor Floor

The project by architect Gabriel Magalhães at CASACOR Bahia preserved the floor, ceiling and original walls, now peeling, and established a synthesis between past and future. "The original floor was maintained in two-thirds of the project, where there was a wooden flooring. In the other part, where there was an unevenness and ceramic, the floor was changed. During the works, we sanded to remove the earlier layers of varnish in a process that was repeated three times. In the end, we applied a new resin," he explains. Additionally, the floor played an important role in the idealization of the project. "As it has two alternating colors of wood, this influenced the cabinetry, which followed the same bicolor conception," he says.

Archway

Remembrances shape the 40sqm studio created by Rodrigo Rodrigues in homage to his mother. The project occupies two old rooms of the Colégio Nossa Senhora das Mercês, now integrated by an archway, which preserves the original architecture. Marble, wood, glass, and exposed bricks compose the palette of light and natural tones.

Aesthetic Contrasts

The architect Neto Cunha designed a café that breaks stereotypes. He preserved original elements, such as frames and ceramic floors, and invested in scenic lighting and shades of blue to create a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, this aesthetic base highlights the selection of contemporary artworks, featuring names like Flávia Bonfim, Marcos da Mata, and Pedro Mariguella. "The idea was to create a project of contrasts: from the earthy tone of the floor to the blue of the cabinetry panels, in a reference to the earth and the sky, to concrete and the imaginary, thus creating a visual narrative that delicately and intentionally engages the visitor," explains the professional.

Space for Hosting

"The starting point of our project was the floor. From it came the idea of working with the pau-ferro cladding, which is a darker and more classic tone of woodworking," says Erla Ribeiro Visco, who co-authored this space alongside Gabriela Giannotti. The light and dark wooden flooring was restored during the work and received a new grout and protective wax. Inspired by the art of hosting, the project integrates functionality and sophistication, while the soft lighting, delicate tones, and reflective bronze and glass details create a contemporary and comfortable proposal.

Intimate Atmosphere

The floor and the stairs present in the cellar created by Mariana Souza at CASACOR Bahia were kept and sanded and varnished by the professional's team. "We thought the entire composition so that the stairs and the floor would harmonize with each other, seeking the same tone, even though the woods were different — both in the floorboards and in the pieces of the lateral closure of the stairs. Our effort was to ensure unity in finish and color, enhancing what already existed," she explained.

Visual Dialogue

This kitchen, created by Cardoso Fattori Architecture, celebrates family roots and dreams. The project combines contemporary aesthetics with functionality and also contemplates sustainability through the conscious use of materials. An example of this is the original floor, which was restored and surprised the professionals with a palette of warm tones that had previously been covered by dirt accumulated over the years. The finish revealed yellowish and brown nuances, which dialogue with the golden veining of the marble chosen for the countertops and the pendant light over the table. Already the burgundy tone of the doors and windows establishes a welcoming counterpoint, complementing the color composition of the floor.