Estúdio OR+K and TODOS Arquitetura have completed a retreat that features rustic and artistic details in Trancoso, Bahia, in the northeast region of Brazil.

Named Trancoso House, the 330-square-metre house was designed by Estúdio OR+K, while the interior design of the house was envisioned by TODOS Arquitetura. 

Located in Quadrado, the main tourist spot in the village, it was important to maintain certain neutrality for this house while protecting the rustic and chic atmosphere which is common in Quadrado. 

The low-rise house stands out for its white facade amidst the other colorful houses around it.

As the architects explain, most of the interventions were guided by the goals of highlighting the quality of the pieces produced by local artisans and reusing materials, starting with the canoe transformed into a bench, which stands in front of the house. 

They used a few elements from other cities, "it is the case of the cabinet made with demolition wood that arrived from São Paulo with a planned destiny: it would become a bar." 

"The wall behind it was erected in the exact measure of its back, with the mission to protect it."

The house contains four en suites with a bathroom, kitchen, and a large living room, which have all the same language - with simple materials, refined by local labor, give the rustic and elegant tone that permeates the entire project. As the architects state, burnished concrete, copper, demolition wood, reused ceramics, and the Bahia sun are enough.

The house creates a sharp contrast with white backdrop and wooden fixture and furnitures. A piece of greenery adds a smooth touch to the interiors of the house.

"Unlike the other colorful buildings in Quadrado, the central region of Trancoso village, the house received only white paint on the facade, which further emphasizes the reused wood in doors and windows," said Estúdio OR+K and TODOS Arquitetura. 

"On the right, another unusual example of recycling: the old canoe became a bench and rests on the floor of recovered terracotta slabs."

The texture of the rough wood on the floor creates a pleasant to touch, so it does not require rugs. The coffee table bears the signature of Hugo França. 

Sofa was designed by Carbono Design and vintage wicker chairs were taken from Garimpo Moderno. Precious local suppliers: side table, table lamp, and vases from Cerâmica Calá, stool by Master Luiz Benício.

This display cabinet made of demolition wood came from São Paulo especially to assume a key role in the living room as a bar cabinet.

In the kitchen, the architects used a central island that optimized the space and helped to multiply the work and dining areas, according to the team, it was necessary for a summerhouse. 

The central counter was topped with polished granite, while the side counters are made of resin-burnished concrete. The studio said "note the graceful windows with hammered colored glass." 

Faucets and lamps were handmade by the local artisan Nei Cobre, and the slatted cabinets were made by Marcenaria Dati. Stools by MTrancoso and wood cutting boards from Toko Design Utilitário.

The three-tier clay fruit stand was created by the architect Janete Costa, one of the great advocates for the use of popular culture items in interior design. The piece represents the studio's admiration for her – and it is also an affectionate homage.

One of the rare points of color in this project is the Cobra Coral chair, created by Sergio Matos. Resting on it, a decorative piece of wood from Divino’s Trancoso. 

Observe also the subtle wavy walls - effect of the Santa-Fe plaster, common both in Mexican houses and in Spanish and Mediterranean dwellings.

"Kept treasures: paintings that were already hanging on the walls of the house came to prominence due to the simple fact that the painting around them, now completely white, highlights their color," added the studio. 

"The authorship is unknown. This internal garden is a breather in the access to the en suites bedrooms on the ground floor, a place to enjoy a post-beach rest or to have nice chitchats. Sofa made by Abraão Marcenaria, rug from Dai Artesanato and pendant light from Divino’s Trancoso."

The architects turned the cab guard from a truck body into a bed headboard. They say that this is another solution that gives new use to valuable and cool materials that would be discarded. "The canopy structure, necessary to protect against mosquitoes, is screwed into the bed base."

Mirror, sconce, and copper faucet are locally handmade products, created by Nei Cobre who is the artist. Resin-burnished concrete shapes the countertop and the washbasin, and finishes the entire bathroom, creating an atmosphere that is both rustic and elegant.

The master suite, situated on the upper floor, has a private swimming pool whose water heats up throughout the day. It is almost irresistible to take a warm dip there in the early evening. Next to it, the hammock chair created by Mauricio Arruda.

In this retreat, every piece has its own story made real by local artists and designers. 

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

Project facts

Project name: Trancoso House

Architects: Estúdio OR+K and TODOS Arquitetura

Location: Trancoso, Brazil.

Size: 330m2 

Date: 2021 

All images © André Klotz

All drawings © Estúdio OR+K and TODOS Arquitetura

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