Nomads’ House

An irregular plot of land in Barra Grande, Piauí, was the starting point for Nomads’ House, a project by Mareines Arquitetura.

The client, from Belgium, wanted a residence that would function as a summer house in Brazil and, for the rest of the year, as part of the pool at the “La Cozinha” guesthouse, owned by a friend.

The architecture was designed to include natural and local elements, with the building integrated into the landscape and using techniques from the local culture.

The rustic look of the project, enhanced by the work of local artisans, is made up of a piassava roof, a structure of round timber, stone and white masonry. The floor plan and roof were designed in irregular shapes, while the walls and doors seek to integrate the rooms with openings that allow natural light in.

The lodge also has a barbecue and an equipped kitchen, as well as all the rooms with a balcony overlooking the pool. The aim was to open up and integrate the spaces, removing the divisions between covered rooms and terraces. Finally, the pool is the connecting element that defines the route and composition of the building elements.

Following the completion of Nomads’ House, the firm also designed a kiosk-restaurant at the pousada, which helped to create the rustic and sophisticated character that the project aims to achieve.