Located in Rio de Janeiro, Itaúna House presents an example of architectural renewal. The project involved the renovation and expansion of Casa Baldo, an original Oscar Niemeyer design, exploring the relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape. Siqueira+Azul undertook the task of transforming this site. By acquiring the neighboring property, the studio extended the possibilities of the urban lot, integrating a garden and leisure annex into the design. This intervention revitalized the property and redefined its relationship with the surroundings.
Itaúna House Technical Information
- Original House Architects: Oscar Niemeyer
- Renewal & Expansion Architects1-13: Siqueira+Azul
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Area: 800 m2 | 8,610 Sq. Ft.
- Project Year: 2017 – 2025
- Photographs: © Ruy Teixeira, © André Nazareth
The façades of the main existing blocks receive a new element – large pivoting panels. Their functioning is made feasible by the custom structural scheme in an iron square mesh.
– Siqueira+Azul Architects
Itaúna House Photographs
Casa Baldo Renewal and Expansion
The expansion of the compact Niemeyer-designed Casa Baldo was made possible by the acquisition of the adjacent property. This enabled the introduction of a garden marked by distinct vertical and horizontal delineations. This green space acts as both a visual and functional extension of the architecture.
The new leisure annex appears to hover between the pool and the garden. Its planar design adds a dynamic element to the composition while maintaining a sense of lightness. This structure balances bold architectural gestures with sensitivity to context.
Itaúna House: Integration of Independent Volumes
Itaúna House is composed of three distinct yet interconnected volumes. Pathways, walkways, and stairs link these constructions, creating a seamless flow between spaces. These circulation routes are more than just functional; they are architectural elements inviting movement and exploration.
One of the most striking features is the circular oculus, which serves as an observation gap and a source of additional natural light. Positioned strategically, it provides views into the upper courtyard while enhancing the spatial experience of the interiors. The helical staircase, leading to a tower element with sliding glass panels, underscores the project’s commitment to vertical integration. These design choices enhance usability and enrich the spatial narrative.
Itaúna House: Design Details and Structural Innovations
The project’s façades underwent a transformation with the addition of large pivoting panels. These custom-designed elements, supported by an iron square mesh structural framework, allow for interaction with the outdoors while maintaining the integrity of Niemeyer’s original design. This intervention is functional and aesthetic, offering flexibility and enhancing the building’s appeal.
A long bench, designed to outline the boundary of the slabs, serves as a bridge between indoor and outdoor spaces. This feature reinforces the continuity of spaces, blurring the line between architecture and landscape. Inside, natural lighting is optimized through the oculus and strategically placed openings.
The leisure annex, constructed from natural materials such as stone and concrete, contrasts with the aesthetic continuity of Casa Baldo. This juxtaposition highlights the studio’s skill in balancing differentiation and harmony within the same project.
Landscape Architecture and Urban Harmony
The landscape design by Isabel Duprat plays a pivotal role in the project. The garden’s vertical and horizontal delineations create a cohesive extension of the architectural design. By incorporating native plant species and structured layouts, the garden enhances the property’s privacy while offering expansive views of the surroundings.
The integration of green spaces reflects a larger trend in urban renewal, where architecture seeks to mitigate the harshness of metropolitan environments. Duprat’s work emphasizes the importance of landscape architecture in fostering a dialogue between natural and built elements, making the garden an inseparable part of the project’s identity.
Itaúna House Plans
Itaúna House Image Gallery
About Siqueira+Azul
Siqueira+Azul Architecture is a Brazilian studio founded in 1986 by architect Lia Siqueira. Based in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the studio specializes in residential and commercial projects, as well as interior and furniture design. Known for its thoughtful integration of architecture with natural landscapes, the firm focuses on creating spaces that balance functionality, simplicity, and aesthetic harmony. Siqueira+Azul’s projects often involve a sensitive approach to existing structures, blending contemporary interventions with the cultural and environmental context.
Credits and Additional Notes
- Lead Architect: Lia Siqueira
- Architect: Felipe Siqueira
- Architecture Studio: Siqueira+Azul Architecture
- Landscape Architect: Isabel Duprat Arquitetura Paisagística
- Lighting Design: Maneco Quinderé
- Structural Design: Abilitá
- Engineering: Stewart Engenharia
- Windows Manufacturer: Panoramah!
- Waterproofing: Cetimper
- Software Used: AutoDesk, Trimble Navigation, Lightworks
- Lighting Fixtures: FLOS, Dimlux
- Plumbing Fixtures: Deca
- Audio and Video: EVOLUSOM
