Rural Coziness / Lucas Fernandes Arquitetos / Brazil

Created as a peaceful retreat for a retired couple, Refúgio Rural transforms a modest rural dwelling in Itajobi, São Paulo state, into a bright, spacious home that reconnects daily life with the landscape. The intervention by Lucas Fernandes Arquitetos balances preservation and renewal, combining familiar rural typologies—deep porch, tile roof, wooden structure—with contemporary comfort and social life.

Environment and Purpose

The project prioritizes natural light, cross ventilation and tactile materials that foster a dialogue between memories and modern life. Without losing the simplicity of its roots, the house becomes a sanctuary for rest and gatherings—a calm, permeable space deeply attuned to rural rhythms.

Photography © Karolina Mocin

The house is supported by a generous porch that bridges the shaded outdoor life with cool interior rooms. This transitional zone becomes a social hub—inviting neighbors, expanding meals and embracing distant views through the garden.

Program and Reconfiguration

The original dwelling included three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, storage and an outdoor bathroom. The renovation redistributed these functions to support the couple's lifestyle. The kitchen, storage and laundry were expanded, while a new porch with a gastronomic area extends cooking and outdoor dining.

Photography © Karolina Mocin

Private rooms were merged on one side, connected by a central corridor and shared bathroom. The opposite end now houses an open-plan living-dining-kitchen, directly connected to the porch through large openings. A pass-through window links the indoor kitchen to the outdoor barbecue, ensuring seamless interaction during gatherings.

Photography © Karolina Mocin

Material Language

A restrained, tactile palette defines the renovation: wood, exposed brick, polished concrete walls, glass, slate and rough stucco. Wood appears in doors, windows and ceilings; exposed brick forms the fireplace, island base and structural portals; concrete floors provide visual continuity and low maintenance. Glass enhances transparency and natural light, while some areas of rough stucco are preserved for the original texture.

Photography © Karolina Mocin

The materials deliberately emphasize the rural atmosphere—durable, honest and adapted to the countryside. The combination of tactile surfaces and clean lines contrasts with surrounding agricultural landscapes while enhancing comfort.

Photography © Karolina Mocin

Spaces and Daily Rituals

• Outdoor Kitchen: Slate countertops, suspended fabric, clay vessels and wooden ceiling encourage slow cooking and unhurried conversations.
• Dining Room: Glass surface on a wooden base maintains visibility of the sculptural base from all sides; wicker chairs and stained glass fabric reinterpret local craftsmanship.
• Bedrooms: Historic beds and dressers remain central, with linen bedding and pine ceilings adding warmth and visual calm.

Photography © Karolina Mocin

"This is a rural-style house that blends with the natural environment, spacious and cozy—place for rest and energy restoration, feeling positive nature's force." — Luis Fernandes de Jesus, Professor

Photography © Karolina Mocin

Climate Comfort and Lighting

Cross ventilation, shaded perimeters and breathable finishes reduce summer heat while maintaining comfort year-round. Expanded openings illuminate the interior and connect routines—morning coffee under the porch, long weekend lunches in the gastronomic area, quiet evenings in bedrooms surrounded by wood and linen.

Challenges and Solutions

Preserve essence, add comfort: The facade language, wooden openings and rough stucco were retained while the layout was adapted for modern use.

Integrate social life: Kitchen, dining room and porch are interlinked via barbecue island and pass-through window, creating a smooth social center.

Emphasize origin: Most furniture and items are family heirlooms; the design curates rather than replaces, preserving emotional connections between generations.