Main Facts
Set against the lush, tropical backdrop of southern Bahia, Brazil, Vila Marebo emerges as a masterclass in contextual architecture, community-centric design, and sensory spatial planning. Designed by the renowned studio Frederico Zanelato | Arquitetos, the project redefines the traditional single-family residence by fragmenting its massing into a micro-village typology.
Commissioned by a long-time professional partner, the architectural brief called for a flexible, welcoming layout that could accommodate both private retreat and communal gathering. Rather than designing a monolithic structure, the architects conceived two distinct architectural blocks. These volumes are thoughtfully interconnected by an elevated footbridge and anchored by a generous, shaded pergola.
The project spans an expansive lot designed to embrace the local topography and climate. Fluid zoning is the heartbeat of Vila Marebo, deliberately eliminating rigid thresholds between indoor and outdoor spaces. Pathways, transitional decks, and intermediate courtyards are elevated from mere functional circulations into vibrant zones for conversation, leisure, and quiet contemplation. Captured through the lens of Oka Fotografia, the architecture heavily features warm organic materials, prominent wooden beams, expansive glass doors, and deep overhangs that filter the intense Brazilian sunlight.
Chronology of the Project
The realization of Vila Marebo represents a meticulous journey from initial conceptualization to final realization, reflecting the deliberate pace required for high-craftsmanship tropical architecture.
- The Invitation and Briefing (Phase I): The project originated from an ongoing creative dialogue between Frederico Zanelato and a trusted, long-time client. The core premise was established early: to move away from urban typologies and instead embrace a "village" concept that integrates intimately with the Bahian landscape.
- Site Analysis and Zoning (Phase II): The design team conducted extensive studies of the southern Bahia microclimate, mapping prevailing winds, sun paths, and existing native vegetation. This data informed the decision to split the residential program into two separate blocks, optimizing natural cross-ventilation and preserving the site’s natural topography.
- Structural Design and Material Sourcing (Phase III): Engineering focused on local and sustainable sourcing, particularly certified tropical hardwoods and robust structural framing. The planning of the connecting footbridge and the expansive pergola was refined during this period to ensure seamless structural integration without overwhelming the landscape.
- Construction and Craftsmanship (Phase IV): Executed with an emphasis on local building techniques, the construction phase prioritized artisanal detailing. The precise joinery of the wooden beams, the installation of expansive sliding glass partitions, and the careful terracing of the surrounding gardens were completed over several months.
- Completion and Public Debut (September 2026): Vila Marebo officially made its global architectural debut, curated by Susanna Moreira and featured internationally on platforms like ArchDaily, quickly drawing acclaim for its innovative take on tropical residential design.
Supporting Data and Architectural Specifications
To fully understand the scope and scale of Vila Marebo, one must examine the tangible metrics and design parameters utilized by Frederico Zanelato | Arquitetos:
- Project Name: Vila Marebo
- Architectural Practice: Frederico Zanelato | Arquitetos
- Curator: Susanna Moreira
- Location: Southern Bahia, Brazil
- Completion Date: September 2026
- Primary Structural Typology: Two independent residential blocks connected by an elevated footbridge and a pergola.
- Key Materials: Certified structural timber, exposed wooden beams, glass, local stone, and organic landscaping elements.
- Photography: Oka Fotografia
- Spatial Organization: Fluid zoning, multi-layered transitional outdoor decks, integrated living and dining pavilions.
- Climate Strategy: Passive cooling via cross-ventilation, deep eaves, pergola-filtered sunlight, and indoor-outdoor threshold blurring.
Official Responses and Design Philosophy
In their official design statement, the architects at Frederico Zanelato | Arquitetos elaborated on the conceptual underpinnings that drove the creation of Vila Marebo:
"The design of Vila Marebo, in southern Bahia, was born from the invitation of a long-time partner. The premise was clear: to create two independent blocks connected by a footbridge and a generous pergola. More than a residence, the proposal was to conceive a true village that embraces the lot. This fluid zoning encourages encounters, conversations, and leisure, transforming the pathways and surrounding spaces into environments of pure warmth and sensory experience."
This philosophy underscores a broader movement within contemporary Brazilian architecture—one that rejects climate-resistant glass boxes in favor of vernacular adaptations. By treating the home as a settlement rather than a singular object, the studio prioritized human scale and emotional resonance over sheer monumentalism. The integration of the footbridge is not merely functional; it creates an intentional pause, a momentary elevation that allows inhabitants to experience the canopy of the trees and the changing qualities of light throughout the day.
Furthermore, curators and critics have highlighted how Vila Marebo bridges the gap between privacy and sociability. The separation of the two blocks allows different members of a family or visiting guests to inhabit distinct rhythms of life without feeling disconnected from the collective whole. When communal interaction is desired, the pergola and the central deck act as a gravitational center, drawing inhabitants outward into the landscape.
Implications for Contemporary Tropical Architecture
Vila Marebo arrives at a pivotal moment in global architectural discourse, offering several key implications for the future of residential design, particularly in tropical and coastal environments:
1. The Death of the Monolithic Box
For decades, luxury residential architecture often favored sprawling, monolithic footprints sealed off from their environments by heavy air conditioning systems. Vila Marebo demonstrates that fragmentation is a superior strategy for tropical sites. By dividing the program into discrete volumes, the architects minimized the footprint on the terrain, reduced the need for mechanical cooling, and maximized surface areas exposed to natural breezes.
2. Sensory Architecture and Spatial Transition
The project elevates the concept of "circulation." In standard architecture, hallways and corridors are treated as dead space—merely a means to get from point A to point B. At Vila Marebo, the footbridge, the pergola, and the transitional garden decks are destinations in themselves. They engage the senses through dappled sunlight, rustling leaves, and changing textures underfoot, proving that the journey through a home can be as emotionally rich as the destination.
3. Sustainable Regionalism
By leaning heavily into the architectural vernacular of southern Bahia—utilizing wood, maximizing shade, and respecting local topography—Frederico Zanelato | Arquitetos models a responsible approach to regional development. As environmental pressures mount globally, projects like Vila Marebo serve as a blueprint for how high-end architecture can harmonize with, rather than dominate, fragile ecosystems.
Ultimately, Vila Marebo stands as a testament to the power of collaborative design, where a clear vision, deep respect for nature, and masterful spatial choreography converge to create a timeless sanctuary in the heart of Brazil.
