Ibitipoca House: A Sustainable Renovation Project in Brazil
Gávea Arquitetos transforms a ruined structure into a modern residential space.
1Project Origin and Logic
The Ibitipoca House project, led by Gávea Arquitetos, centers on the logic of material reuse. Located in the Serra do Ibitipoca, Minas Gerais, the design team chose to preserve an existing ruined building rather than demolish it. This approach establishes the old structure as the conceptual origin for the new residential construction.
2Technical Disassembly Process
The architects initiated the project with a systematic disassembly operation. By carefully deconstructing the original ruin, the team sought to reconfigure and re-inscribe existing traces into the modern design. This method ensures that the historical narrative of the site remains physically embedded within the newly completed 135-square-meter residential living space.
3Architectural Team Composition
Lead architects Alziro Carvalho Neto and Felipe Rio Branco directed the project development. The broader team included coordinator Júlia Carreiro, alongside project members Caique Cerqueira and Luana Balthazar. Technical support was provided by Paula Peret and Marcela Bergamini, ensuring the structural integrity of the renovation throughout the entire construction phase in Brazil.
4Site and Scale Specifications
The completed house spans an area of 135 square meters. Situated in Brumado, Brazil, the project was finalized in 2025. The site conditions required a sensitive approach to the local landscape, balancing the preservation of the original ruins with the functional requirements of a contemporary home designed for modern living standards.
5Materiality and Design Philosophy
Instead of erasing the previous construction, the design proposal transforms the ruin into the primary material source. This strategy highlights a commitment to sustainability by minimizing waste and honoring the site's history. The resulting aesthetic integrates the old traces with new interventions, creating a cohesive dialogue between past and present structures.
6Documentation and Visual Record
The architectural documentation was captured through photography by Rafael Salim, who provided the visual record of the finished project. These images illustrate how the renovation integrates the original site elements into the new design. The project was officially published on October 15, 2026, serving as a reference for sustainable residential refurbishment.
7Context of Sustainable Renovation
Renovation projects in rural Brazilian regions often face challenges regarding material availability and structural stability. By utilizing a disassembly-first approach, Gávea Arquitetos demonstrates a scalable model for adaptive reuse. This methodology reduces the carbon footprint associated with new material procurement while maintaining the unique character of the original architectural footprint.
8Impact on Residential Architecture
The Ibitipoca House serves as a case study for architects prioritizing circular economy principles in residential design. By successfully re-inscribing historical materials into a 135-square-meter home, the project proves that ruins can be functional assets. This shift toward preservation-focused development reflects broader trends in sustainable architecture across contemporary Brazilian design practices.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Ibitipoca House: A Sustainable Renovation Project in Brazil