Modern house exterior with large windows and open space.

Curved Pool Highlights Unique Design of Pituba Beach House in Brazil

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-06-26

A Blend of Cultures by the Sea

On the shores of Pituba, Brazil, architects Vasco Lima Mayer and Nuno Nascimento have crafted a stunning seafront residence. This house uniquely marries Portuguese architectural solidity with the openness of Brazilian design. The fusion results in an inviting structure that speaks to both traditions, creating a harmonious balance.

Architectural Harmony with the Landscape

Positioned to embrace panoramic sea views, the home features compact forms that exude permanence. The design carefully balances these with expansive roof planes and openings that draw the eye towards the lush surroundings. This approach allows the home to breathe with its coastal setting without needing exaggerated elements.

Modern house exterior highlighting open living and glass facades.
A modern house design with open plan living spaces.

Transition Spaces Defined by Proportion

Rather than relying solely on glass, the architects used alignment and material continuity to unify the interior and exterior. This choice facilitates a natural flow while upholding a robust architectural character, blending inside and out seamlessly.

For another take on minimalist Japanese interiors, see how a historic Miyakonojo home was transformed with open-plan design and industrial elegance.

Spacious open living areas in a contemporary house.
A modern house design with open plan living spaces.

Curved Elegance by the Poolside

Contrasting with the house’s geometric form, a curved swimming pool sweeps across the property. This feature subtly nods to the design language of Oscar Niemeyer, injecting softness and dynamism into the estate’s aesthetic.

Swimming pool with elegant curve next to a modern house.
A modern house with a swimming pool that includes an elegant curve.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

Inside, open floor plans unify living, dining, and terrace areas into a single fluid environment, encouraging an interplay between indoor comforts and outdoor vistas.

Living space featuring expansive wood ceiling and modern design.
A modern open plan living space with an expansive wood ceiling.

Unifying Ceiling to Sky

A standout feature is the ceiling plane, which extends outward, seamlessly uniting different sections of the home while enhancing visual continuity.

Interior with open plan, showcasing a wooden ceiling and modern furniture.
A modern open plan living space with an expansive wood ceiling.

Embedding into the Natural Palette

The home’s color scheme and materials reflect the earthy tones of Pituba’s soil, rooting the architecture in its local context while maintaining a polished modern look.

Open living room with wood ceiling and ample natural light.
A modern open plan living space with an expansive wood ceiling.

Culmination of Contrasts

This coastal retreat is memorable for its skillful blend of contrasts: balancing weight with openness, enclosure with continuity, and the restraint of Portuguese design with Brazilian expansiveness.

Media room with TV and wood shelving creating a stylish setup.
A modern media room with wood shelving surrounding the tv.

Imagery by Filipe Borralho | Architects: Vasco Lima Mayer and Nuno Nascimento

Bedroom featuring a sliding door opening to an outdoor patio.
A modern bedroom with a sliding door that opens to an outdoor space.

Explore how another coastal design merges architecture with its environment in flowing forms and nature-inspired designs in modern homes.

Modern bedroom with access to exterior garden through sliding door.
A modern bedroom with a sliding door that opens to an outdoor space.
Open bathroom design with freestanding outdoor bathtub.
A modern open bathroom design with an outdoor bathtub.

Sources & Links

Source: contemporist.com