The Itaúna House: A Fusion of Architecture and Landscape

Nestled in the vibrant cityscape of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Itaúna House is a remarkable renovation and expansion project by Siqueira+Azul Architecture, led by Lia Siqueira. This project transforms an original Oscar Niemeyer-designed home into a cohesive space that harmonizes architecture with the natural landscape. The result is a delicate balance of modernity and tradition, thoughtfully designed to offer both leisure and functionality.

A Dialogue Between Past and Present

At the heart of the project lies an original Oscar Niemeyer house—a compact structure emblematic of its time. By acquiring the adjacent property, the architects expanded the spatial potential while preserving the original charm. The intervention introduced a new leisure annex that appears to hover effortlessly between the pool and garden, underscoring the dialogue between architectural heritage and contemporary design. The integration of these spaces ensures a continuous flow, with new pathways, walkways, and stairs linking the three independent constructions. These elements celebrate movement and connection, essential to the modern lifestyle while maintaining respect for the architectural past.

Design Concept: Embracing Light and Fluidity

The Itaúna House employs innovative design elements to create an interplay of light, space, and materiality. Large pivoting panels on the façades redefine boundaries, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Supported by a custom iron mesh structure, these panels are both functional and visually striking. Another standout feature is the circular oculus—a design element that brings in natural light while offering a visual link to the upper courtyard. Complementing this is a helical staircase leading to a tower with expansive sliding glass panels, blending architectural boldness with practicality. Together, these features ensure that the house is not just a living space but also an experiential one, engaging its inhabitants with light, form, and texture.

Materials and Functionality

Natural materials such as stone and concrete dominate the leisure annex, creating an aesthetic that is both grounded and inviting. The choice of materials and their application emphasize contrasts while maintaining aesthetic continuity across the property. This annex, designed as a leisure hub, floats between the garden and pool, serving as a tranquil retreat from urban life. Functionality is deeply ingrained in the project’s DNA. The new pathways and open-plan interiors promote fluidity and connectivity, while the long bench outlining slab boundaries creates versatile seating areas that blend seamlessly with the architectural design.

The Architect Behind Itaúna House

Lia Siqueira and the team at Siqueira+Azul Architecture have masterfully reinterpreted this urban site. Since the studio’s founding in 1986, Lia has cultivated a practice that seamlessly blends form and function. Itaúna House is a testament to this ethos, showcasing how architecture can enrich daily living while respecting its context and history.

Technical Sheet