House Sede / Messina

Architects: messina | rivas
Area: 120 m²
Year: 2024
Photography: Federico Cairoli
Lead Architects: Francisco Rivas, Rodrigo Messina
Civil Engineering: Carlinhos
City/Location: Cunha
Country: Brazil

House Sede by messina | rivas is situated in the valleys of Serra do Mar near Pedra da Macela, a scenic area in Cunha, Brazil, overlooking the sea, mountains, and the historic town of Paraty. Conceived within an environmentally protected zone, the project required the preservation and adaptation of existing structures rather than new construction. The 120-square-meter residence reflects a close relationship with the site’s natural and cultural context, emphasizing local materials, craftsmanship, and sustainable processes. Handmade bricks from local potters and wood sourced and processed on-site exemplify a commitment to regional production and environmental sensitivity. The result is a contemporary dwelling that harmonizes with its surroundings while maintaining the rustic authenticity and craft traditions of Cunha’s rural landscape.

Nestled within the rugged terrain of Serra do Mar, House Sede emerges as a testament to contextual architecture, where design ingenuity meets environmental restraint. messina | rivas approached the project with a deep awareness of the site’s ecological restrictions, transforming legal limitations into creative opportunities. Unable to build anew due to preservation laws, the architects chose to reinterpret existing structures, preserving their volumes while reimagining their purpose to suit the client’s evolving needs.

What began in 2017 as a series of small interventions gradually evolved into a holistic transformation of the property. Over time, the practice extended its scope from modest renovations to comprehensive site planning, including a caretaker’s house, a laundry facility, a studio, and a chicken coop. The final addition—the main house—acts as the architectural anchor of the ensemble, balancing functionality with respect for the environment.

Local craftsmanship lies at the heart of the project. The use of bricks molded by Cunha’s renowned potters, Zé Tabuinha and Burrico, imbues the house with a tactile connection to its setting. Similarly, eucalyptus timber harvested and milled on-site by regional artisan Leco underscores a commitment to sustainable sourcing and community engagement. Every aspect of construction was carried out by local builders whose decades of experience contribute to the project’s authenticity and sense of place.

House Sede is less a single building than a dialogue between architecture, landscape, and tradition. messina | rivas’s sensitivity to the rhythms of local life—paired with a minimalist yet warm material palette—creates a home that is both grounded and refined. In the gentle interplay between craftsmanship and contemporary design, the residence captures the enduring essence of Cunha’s rural architecture, offering a model for sustainable and regionally rooted design in Brazil’s natural reserves.