Articles by Susanna Moreira

The 2400 sf Hillside House sits comfortably on a forested slope strewn with enormous boulders. The owners entrusted us with their dream of a comfortable home for an active family of five. At our first meeting, one of the owners shared a sketch of a u-shaped floor plan that literally hugged the largest, most prominent boulder. Although practicalities intervened, embracing the boulder was the seed of the design and we kept it in mind as the project developed.

The Marcia Leal Hair Studio was conceived as a spatial experience that extends beyond its commercial function, translating the project through use, perception, and the relationship established with those who experience it. Located in Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina, the beauty salon occupies a fully renovated commercial unit designed to reflect the client’s authentic personality and to create an environment where time slows down and care is expressed not only through service, but also through space.

The expansion project of this residence was carried out with the acquisition of the neighboring lot adjacent to the existing residence, with its original profile and vegetation preserved. Two new buildings were proposed for this lot.

The Casa Vão was developed within the parametric system of pre-fabricated residential projects created by the construtech PELE (Personalization at Scale), a spin-off company of the HAA! Studio!

Set against the lush backdrop of the Atlantic Forest, this residence is a manifesto of how contemporary architecture can engage in an intimate and respectful dialogue with its surroundings. The project balances the solidity of modern lines with the warmth and lightness of natural materials, creating a sanctuary of comfort and design.

The intervention is located in the northern half of the Ramalde Sports Park, comprising the construction of a new field for rugby and football, a support building with locker rooms and a covered stand, an athletics area (for shot put, hammer throw, and javelin), and a space dedicated to archery.

This house was designed for a young filmmaker who sought spacious areas without sacrificing privacy and with a controlled budget. Located on a charming and tiny street in the Pinheiros neighborhood, the building was conceived as an exercise in spatial utilization and cost reduction. Within a narrow lot, measuring 5m in width and 25m in depth, a comfortable and spacious house was developed.

The renovation project for this apartment aimed to enhance the spaciousness of the original 1970s floor plan, overcoming certain shortcomings through minor interventions. The scarcity of natural light and the need to expand the living areas prompted a rearrangement of the kitchen, laundry, and living room programs, as well as the connections between them. In this shift, the laundry room was relocated to the apartment’s private wing. 

Located in Vilamoura, Algarve, the plot benefits from geographical advantages: total sun exposure, proximity to the sea, and views over a scenic golf course. The plot, with approximately 870sqm, is part of a housing development characterized by side-by-side neighbouring plots. Therefore, the main premises of the project were established from the outset: