BUILT
TRANCOSO-BA, 2025
Built atop a 15-meter-high slope, the house is located near Itapororoca Beach in Trancoso, in the southern part of Bahia, Brazil—a region characterized by Atlantic Forest and a humid tropical climate. Taking advantage of the natural topography, the elevated placement provides privileged views of the sea and enhances cross ventilation, reducing the need for artificial climate control systems.
A 3.6 x 3.6-meter orthogonal grid defines the glued laminated timber (glulam) structural system made of pine, chosen for both its sustainability and its mechanical strength and dimensional stability in humid environments.
The house was situated at the rear portion of the site so that only one floor is visible from the entrance, shielding the west-facing façade from the setting sun—a passive thermal protection strategy. This solution emphasizes the subtle integration of the building with its surroundings, respecting the existing vegetation and the preserved character of the region. In contrast, the east façade reveals both floors and highlights the use of a surrounding veranda, which protects all bedrooms facing the Atlantic Ocean, maximizing both the view and natural ventilation.
Brazilian colonial architecture established the use of covered verandas, especially in rural manor houses, such as the cocoa plantations in southern Bahia. This typology, reinterpreted and adopted here in a contemporary manner, acts as a transitional element between indoors and outdoors, providing shade, protection from tropical rains, and encouraging outdoor living.
Authors:
Daniel Mangabeira, Henrique Coutinho, Matheus Seco
Coordination: Julia Huff
Team: Luis Alcântara e Pedro Souza
Built Surface: 860sqm
Project: 2022 – 2024
Construction: 2024 – 2025
Contractor: Timbau (estrutura) + Rafael
Photos: Joana França
