Photos: OKA Photography / Disclosure
Located in the state of Bahia, Vila de Caraíva is a super charming fishing village. There are no cars and no public lighting, preserving all the magic of the sand between the Caraíva river delta and the Pataxó village.
Inspired by this scenario, architect Vivian Hunnicutt designed her house, named Lua Nova, close to the Pataxó village in Caraíva. In addition to aesthetically valuing the connection with nature and local customs, using ecological and architectural solutions, she also managed to create a very beautiful connection with the natural elements present on the land.
Vivian and Gabriel Isidoro, Vivian’s husband and who participated in the work, showed me the house in detail, telling me regarding the whole construction and planning process! Below you can see more photos and details regarding the project and, on the Youtube channel, the full video.
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Casa de Valentina: Can you tell us a little bit regarding the place?
Vivian Hunnicutt: A Vila de Caraíva, located in the state of Bahia, is a place ahead of its time, despite maintaining the characteristics of a fishing village where there are no cars, there is no public lighting and its streets retain the magic of the sand between the river delta Caraíva and the Pataxó village. Inspired by this magical setting and reflecting on how and where to find quality of life towards milder and slower days, Casa Lua Nova was created nestled in this peninsula bathed by the waters of the river and the sea.
CV: What is the main concept of the project?
Vivian Hunnicutt: today needmos nos reinvent to meet an increasingly discreet, contemplative and conscious demand seeking luxury in the perfect simplicity of nature. Therefore, we use concepts and constructive elements that reinforce this philosophy, such as:
- Fossa circle of banana trees for gray water treatment, examples of social technology for rural sanitation, preserving the integrity of the water table.
- Skylight for natural lighting
- Solar panel for water heating
- Reused demolition wood deck, crosspieces used on train tracks gain a new use
CV: What are the main characteristics of the house that make it unique?
Vivian Hunnicutt: Many shuttered doors and windows contemplate the project, thus providing cross ventilation that keeps the house always airy and cool, even on the hottest days in Bahia. This model of blinds gives us the possibility of having a curtain, controlling the entrance of light in the environments.
CV: Does Casa seek ecologically conscious solutions? And the architecture of the region, was it also an inspiration?
Vivian Hunnicutt: It is a long way to rescue the origins of materials and construction methods of Brazilian architecture. At Casa Lua Nova we preserve the centenary cashew tree that surrounds and embraces the house, giving it shadow and light in the right measure. We used adobe walls in the open bath, delving into our indigenous roots, and the entire roof of the house is made of taubilha (roof with wooden tiles) which also makes all the difference in the thermal and acoustic comfort of the environment.
The project is focused on using local materials, giving new meaning to objects and avoiding the blue and white cliché, so we apply our own palm oil. Local artists reinforce and dignify this identity. Always using and working with local suppliers, training your eyes and living Bahia!
