Casa Renda: A Poetic Vision Transformed into Architecture

It started as a poetic vision that, through patience and precision, was brought to life by giving architectural form to nature’s intangibles – light, gentle breezes, the sounds of the countryside – and recollections of the past. One by one, these elements were translated into architecture and design details in Casa Renda on Baleia Beach, São Sebastião, on Brazil’s São Paulo coast. The home’s architecture and interiors were reinvented by Brazilian studio André Luque Arquiteturafor its client, a passionate collector of Brazilian folk art.

The renovation of the existing three-level structure produced a retreat that brings together comfort and contemporary design. While the design team honored the original character of the building’s floor plan and spatial organization, they enhanced it through better integration of the levels and, where needed, improved privacy.

Life amid lush greenery

Due in part to extensive transparent screens and glazed elements – including the terrace balustrades – Casa Renda is a discreet presence in its lush natural setting. Renovations to the roof accented the building’s horizontal extension, further harmonizing it with the natural environment. The same approach went into the patterns of the exterior screens – a hallmark of the home that also enriches the interior ambience – which were designed to echo the natural forms of the sea sponges found on the local beaches.

Nature therefore takes center stage in the design, both through the constant visual connection between indoors and outdoors, and the use of plants and small shrubs in the living areas. This harmony with nature is further emphasized by the choice of exterior and interior materials, including stone, and by the use of subtle tones.

To each space its own character

The home’s ground-level entrance serves as a vestibule to welcome visitors, with a ceramic statue of a saint set against a stone wall and wooden bench seating along the adjacent wall. The space feels warm and understated, creating a reflective atmosphere. Stairs lead to the second floor and Casa Renda’s day zone, designed with entertaining in mind. A central living room enables circulation from one space to the next, with a dining area, games room, gourmet kitchen, and a barbecue zone also on this level. Each space has chairs, sofas, and tables in natural materials, a nature-inspired palette, and traditional artworks. A sculptural staircase leads to the private top floor bedrooms, again finely furnished and finished in muted hues.

The same amount of careful detail went into the outdoor areas, especially on the second floor, where a striking swimming pool occupies most of the terrace. From here, the connection to nature is even more pronounced.