Brazilian architecture firm Mareines Arquitetura has completed the Passive House, a remarkable 1,350-square-meter residential project that exemplifies sustainable living in harmony with nature. Located on a large plot of land in the interior of São Paulo, this innovative home was conceived during the isolation of the pandemic as a direct response to the desire for a simpler, autonomous lifestyle deeply connected to the natural environment.

The residence emerged from a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship, with the property undergoing an extensive reforestation process developed in partnership with Vistara Landscape Architecture office. The architectural design, led by project team members Ivo Pedro Mareines, Matthieu Van Beneden, and coordinating architect Isabella Slawka, embraces this environmental commitment from its very inception, engaging in a sensitive dialogue with the land through a program that respects the natural cycle of elements.

"It was important for the house to emerge from the very earth, utilizing its materials and respecting its flows. It's not just about being sustainable – it needs to reflect that sustainability," explained Ivo Mareines, architect and co-founder of Mareines Arquitetura. This philosophy guided every aspect of the design process, from material selection to spatial organization.

The architectural concept centers around a walled triangular garden planted with various species and protected by three distinct architectural arms. "It is a reinterpretation of cloisters, elements common in monasteries. We wanted this to be an area of tranquility, pause, and meditation," reveals Mareines. This central courtyard serves as the heart of the residence, creating a peaceful sanctuary that promotes introspection and serenity throughout the living spaces.

The residence consists of two main volumes strategically organized to maximize both functionality and privacy. On the ground floor, social areas and guest suites are distributed in a fluid and continuous manner, where zoning is suggested rather than imposed. The spatial division is achieved through thoughtful design elements including water mirrors, carefully positioned furniture, the curvature of the roof, and the strategic incidence of natural light, which together create distinct atmospheres without relying on traditional wall partitions.

The upper volume houses the master suite, positioned in isolation above the central garden to provide a spacious and private retreat. This elevated space includes a dedicated office area and offers privileged views of the surrounding land, ensuring complete privacy even during visits from guests. The separation between public and private zones demonstrates the architects' understanding of contemporary living needs while maintaining the home's connection to nature.

One of the most striking architectural features is the exposed brick roof with its pronounced curvature, which serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Beyond its visual impact in marking the residence's distinctive character, the roof acts as an innovative rainwater collection system, directing precipitation to the swimming pool. The design incorporates double slabs and generous eaves that contribute significantly to the passive cooling of interior spaces, effectively eliminating the need for mechanical air conditioning systems.

The construction process involved collaboration with specialized partners including TJ7 Engineering and Construction for engineering and construction services, Lightworks for lighting design, and Weiku for window frame systems. Material suppliers included Legnox and Olaria Barduchi, contributing to the project's commitment to utilizing high-quality, locally-sourced materials wherever possible.

Passive House positions itself as a construction project featuring contemporary solutions that emerge organically from their surroundings while fully utilizing environmental resources to create cozy and ecologically well-positioned spaces. The residence demonstrates how modern architecture can achieve luxury and comfort while maintaining minimal environmental impact through thoughtful design strategies and material choices.

"This house brings a feeling of absolute peace. It's as if it was born there – with the earth and for the earth. It does not impose presence; it welcomes," concludes Ivo Mareines. The completed project, photographed by Leonardo Finotti in 2024, stands as a testament to the possibilities of sustainable residential architecture that harmonizes human habitation with natural ecosystems, offering a blueprint for future developments that prioritize both environmental responsibility and quality of life.