Simara Melo transforms a closed off home in Praia Brava, Brazil into a nature-inspired, light-filled minimalist home for a family of five.

Located in Praia Brava, a beach in the south of Brazil in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, this residence is the home of a couple and their three children who longed for open and relaxing living spaces that encouraged their family to spend more time together. The family tapped architect Simara Melo to transform the 5,210-square-foot home to meet their needs through modern and contemporary components.

The house underwent a major renovation to enhance functionality and comfort. The complete overhaul changed the existing layout, introducing a new support kitchen and reconfiguring the social areas to create a more spacious environment. Upstairs, the expansion of the primary suite included the addition of a new bathroom and much-needed separate closets for each partner.
A focal point of the home is the addition of a potted olive tree, approximately ten feet tall, positioned in the main living room. This natural element adds a sophisticated touch while resonating with the residents’ love for nature, mirrored in the additional olive trees adorning the outdoor spaces. The complementary garden, designed by Terraço Paisagismo, enhances the home’s aesthetic with lush greenery seen through every window.

In an innovative approach to lighting, direct fixtures were minimized in favor of indirect lighting, maximizing the effect of natu...