House Next Door by Guelo Nunes Arquitetura

Located in Alto de Pinheiros, this house was acquired by the client as an investment with the intent to renovate it for rental purposes. Our primary guiding principle was to achieve a renovation that balanced cost-effectiveness with high-quality results, ensuring the space meets the expectations for this type of rental while minimizing construction expenses and future maintenance.

Design Approach

Our proposal focused on integrating the house seamlessly with the garden, introducing new openings to enhance natural light and flow, and adding a new gourmet area that includes a bedroom on the second floor. All existing bedrooms were converted into ensuite suites, creating fluid and generous spaces that can accommodate a variety of uses and layouts. This flexibility allows the house to adapt easily to different renters without requiring further modifications each time a new tenant moves in.

Material Choices

We carefully selected materials that require minimal maintenance since the upkeep will be managed by the owner. These materials were chosen not only for durability but also to add subtle charm and character to the spaces without overwhelming the design, making the house appealing to a wide range of potential residents with diverse tastes and styles.

Entrance Transformation

One of the project’s biggest challenges was the main entrance, which forms the first impression of the house. Previously, visitors were greeted by a narrow, dark, and uninviting hallway—an important factor in rental decisions. We dedicated considerable design effort to improving this entry in a simple yet impactful way.

The solution combined three key interventions:

• Chamfering one of the walls to open the space

• Lowering the ceiling height for a cozier scale

• Exposing the brickwork by removing the plaster coating

Together, these changes transformed the proportions and ambiance of the entrance, creating a warmer, more welcoming arrival experience.

Photography: Fran Parente