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Architectural Cases

Damata House: A Seamless Blend of Architecture and Nature by Melina Romano

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Nestled within the tranquil countryside of Itatiba, São Paulo, Casa Damata stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of architectural design and natural beauty. Spearheaded by interior designer Melina Romano, this project builds upon the foundational architecture of Otto Felix and the thoughtful landscaping of Daniel Nunes. The core philosophy behind Casa Damata is to establish a continuous and harmonious dialogue between its internal spaces and the expansive external environment. This is achieved through a meticulous selection of materials, furniture, lighting, and art, all echoing the rustic charm and construction heritage of rural São Paulo.

The interior aesthetics of Casa Damata are a direct extension of its exterior, blurring the lines between inside and out. Romano's design strategy involves drawing inspiration from the vernacular architecture and rich material palette of the region. Wood, stone, and natural fibers are predominantly featured, not merely as decorative elements but as integral components that define the spatial experience. These materials not only ground the home in its locality but also imbue it with a sense of warmth and authenticity, reflecting the serene rural setting.

Every aspect of Casa Damata, from its spacious living areas to its private retreats, is crafted to foster a profound connection with nature. Large windows and open layouts invite natural light and panoramic views indoors, making the surrounding landscape an active participant in the home's ambiance. The furniture choices and artistic installations further complement this vision, creating a cohesive narrative that speaks of tranquility, elegance, and a deep respect for the environment.

Melina Romano's design for Casa Damata goes beyond mere aesthetics; it is a holistic approach that celebrates the intrinsic beauty of its location. The careful coordination of architectural forms, landscape elements, and interior details results in a residence that feels both grand and intimate, contemporary yet timeless. This project serves as a prime example of how thoughtful design can elevate a dwelling into a sanctuary that resonates deeply with its natural context.

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Architectural Cases

Transforming a Stable: Modern Apartment in a Swiss Farmhouse

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This architectural endeavor reimagines a segment of a 1930s Swiss farmhouse, specifically converting its former agricultural area into a modern apartment. Traditional farmhouses in the Fribourg canton typically feature a cohesive design where a singular, expansive roof covers both living quarters and farming spaces. These structures are often oriented to account for prevailing winds, with the residential zone occupying one end, usually comprising two or three rooms off a central passage, while the agricultural facilities are distributed across three structural divisions at the opposite end.

The project, undertaken by Bard Yersin Architectes, is a meticulous example of adaptive reuse, focusing on preserving the distinctive character of the original edifice while introducing contemporary living amenities. The transformation spans an area of 228 square meters and was completed in 2024. It thoughtfully integrates new functions within the historic framework, demonstrating how old structures can be revitalized for modern purposes without losing their essential identity.

Preserving Historical Integrity Through Modern Design

The renovation strategy for the Praz-Pury farmhouse apartment meticulously blends historical respect with contemporary architectural demands. The initial design challenge involved converting a neglected agricultural section into a habitable space, all while maintaining the integral structure and aesthetic of a 1930s Swiss farmhouse. Architects focused on enhancing the functionality of the existing layout, which traditionally featured a two-to-three-room dwelling area and a robust agricultural wing, unified under a single, large roof. This approach ensures that the new apartment not only meets modern living standards but also contributes to the enduring legacy of the regional architectural style.

Bard Yersin Architectes embarked on this project with a deep understanding of the farmhouse's original design principles. The firm paid close attention to preserving elements such as the consistent typology and the strategic orientation of the building, which was historically chosen to mitigate environmental factors like wind. The intervention thoughtfully reconfigures internal spaces, introducing new residential functions while preserving the rustic charm of the barn's structural bays. This careful balance between old and new ensures that the renovated space offers both comfort and a rich sense of history, making it a distinctive example of how to sensitively evolve heritage buildings for future use.

Creating Contemporary Living Spaces Within an Ancient Shell

The core of this architectural project involved the intricate process of transforming the dormant agricultural segment of a historic farmhouse into a vibrant, contemporary living environment. This required a creative rethinking of space, moving beyond simple repurposing to a comprehensive adaptive reuse strategy that inserted a modern apartment into the building's robust existing framework. The design skillfully navigates the transition from utilitarian farm space to sophisticated residential units, ensuring that new additions enhance rather than detract from the farmhouse's original character. This involved careful planning to integrate all necessary modern conveniences, such as advanced plumbing and electrical systems, into a structure not originally designed for them, while still maintaining the aesthetic harmony with the existing timber and stone elements.

The newly fashioned apartment occupies a significant portion of the farmhouse, covering 228 square meters. Completed in 2024, this project by Bard Yersin Architectes exemplifies an innovative approach to rural refurbishment. It demonstrates how architects can adapt historical structures for new uses, providing sustainable living solutions while honoring the past. The interior design maximizes natural light and employs a minimalist aesthetic that highlights the original wooden beams and sturdy construction, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere. This careful transformation not only extends the lifespan of the building but also offers a unique residential experience that is deeply connected to its historical and geographical context in Siviriez, Switzerland.

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Brugge Diptych: A Temporary Architectural Intervention by PARA

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The "Brugge Diptych," a temporary architectural pavilion crafted by PARA for the 2021 Brugge Triennale, represents a harmonious blend of contemporary design and historical context. Spanning 444 square meters, this cultural installation is strategically positioned alongside a derelict 15th-century dwelling on a tranquil canal in Bruges, a city recognized by UNESCO for its rich heritage. The project, completed in 2021, aims to create a dialogue between past and present, offering visitors an immersive experience within the ancient urban fabric. Through its thoughtful placement and design, the pavilion engages with the city's architectural legacy while introducing a modern perspective on temporary structures.

Designed by PARA Project, with key contributions from Jon Lott, William Smith, Rachel Coulomb, and Lauren McClellan, the Brugge Diptych serves as more than just a temporary exhibition space. It reinterprets the concept of heritage preservation by inserting a contemporary intervention into a historically significant setting. The pavilion, documented by photographers Stijn Bollaert, Iwan Baan, and Jasper Vanhet Groenewoud, not only provides a unique venue for the Triennale but also highlights the potential for innovative architecture to coexist and interact respectfully with established cultural landscapes, fostering new interpretations of urban space.

The Brugge Diptych: A Contemporary Intervention in Historic Bruges

The Brugge Diptych, a striking temporary pavilion, emerged as a key feature of the 2021 Brugge Triennale. Conceived by PARA, this architectural piece is situated alongside a centuries-old, abandoned dwelling in a tranquil, residential section of Bruges, a city renowned for its preserved UNESCO World Heritage status. The pavilion's design deliberately interacts with its historic backdrop, providing a unique lens through which to view and appreciate the interplay between contemporary design and ancient surroundings. Its integration into this sensitive urban environment underscores a commitment to respectful yet innovative architectural dialogue.

This 444-square-meter structure, a brainchild of PARA, was brought to life in 2021 as a temporary exhibition space. The pavilion's thoughtful placement next to a derelict 15th-century house along a serene canal in a UNESCO-protected neighborhood demonstrates a nuanced approach to cultural architecture. It aims to offer an immersive experience that bridges historical context with modern artistic expression. The project, with its focus on cultural engagement and architectural innovation, invites visitors to explore new ways of interacting with urban heritage, prompting reflections on time, space, and the enduring legacy of Bruges.

PARA's Vision: Bridging Past and Present Through Architectural Design

PARA Project's "Brugge Diptych" stands as a testament to the potential of architectural design to engage with and enhance historical landscapes without compromising their integrity. Curated by Susanna Moreira, this project exemplifies a sensitive and imaginative approach to temporary installations. The design team, led by Jon Lott, William Smith, Rachel Coulomb, and Lauren McClellan, meticulously crafted a structure that not only serves its immediate purpose but also contributes to a broader conversation about urban regeneration and cultural memory within a deeply historic setting.

The pavilion, photographed by Stijn Bollaert, Iwan Baan, and Jasper Vanhet Groenewoud, is more than just a physical space; it is a conceptual "diptych" that establishes a visual and thematic connection with its aged neighbor. This architectural piece at the 2021 Brugge Triennale masterfully uses modern materials and forms to complement the traditional elements of its surroundings, fostering a dynamic dialogue between different eras. By carefully embedding itself within the existing urban fabric, the Brugge Diptych transforms a forgotten space into a vibrant point of cultural interaction and contemplation, demonstrating how temporary architecture can leave a lasting conceptual impact on a city's historical narrative.

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