The house, designed by Stemmer Rodrigues Arquitectura, is organized around two single-story volumes separated by an interior garden. This configuration allows the main living areas to be located entirely on the ground floor, while the upper level houses the suites for children and guests. The social area opens completely to the sea, integrating the living room, dining room, and outdoor spaces into a spatial sequence that extends to the swimming pool.
For the materials, a restrained and timeless palette was chosen, composed of natural materials that provide warmth and resistance to the conditions of the marine environment, with wood being a prominent feature both inside and out.
Maré House by Stemmer Rodrigues Arquitectura. Photograph by Gabriel Konrath.
Project description by Stemmer Rodrigues Arquitectura
Located in Torres, on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul, Casa Maré is a project by Stemmer Rodrigues Arquitetura that embodies the convergence of warmth, nature, and a way of life that follows the rhythm of the seasons. Conceived as an annual retreat—and not just a summer home—the 726-square-meter residence was designed for a mature couple who wanted to bring together their children living around the world, combining family warmth, relaxation, and a functional routine with a permanent view of the sea.
The design stems from an understanding of the coastal landscape and its unique characteristics: winds, light, humidity, and the silent force of the tides. Two single-story modules, connected by a sheltered internal garden, structure daily life with complete autonomy on the ground floor. On the upper floor, the children’s suites complete the layout, reinforcing the home’s character as a place for gatherings, reunions, and extended stays.
Facing the sea, the spacious social area integrates dining and socializing into a single architectural gesture. Generous openings create a continuous space that flows into the pool, where the deck seems to gently extend over the water—a design that reinforces the sense of continuity and serenity.
The partially covered porch extends the use of outdoor spaces even on winter days, while natural materials and a neutral color palette reinforce the atmosphere of a timeless retreat.
Interiors inspired by memories, stars, and affection
The interiors, also designed by Stemmer Rodrigues, draw from the residents’ sentimental collection—especially classic American furniture brought from New York—which inspired the spatial and chromatic composition. The home embraces different time periods, blending pieces of family history with contemporary architecture that highlights textures, natural light, and the passage of the day.
The name Casa Maré evokes the resident’s connection to the stars—she is an astrophysicist—and reinforces the idea of a home that responds to time, movement, and the sky. In the words of architect Ingrid Stemmer, co-founder of the firm, this essence comes through clearly:
“Casa Maré was conceived as a refuge to welcome the children who live around the world, bringing together in one place the warmth of a family home, the relaxation of a vacation destination, and the functionality of a workspace. This relationship with nature and movement is also present in the home’s architecture, where two single-story modules are separated by a wind-protected inner garden, and an upper floor housing the children’s suites. The pool extends this concept of fluidity, as if the balcony floor were gently dipping into the water, creating an inviting and tranquil atmosphere.”
Landscape and light: architecture as an extension of the surroundings
The landscaping, designed by Susana Nedel, reinforces the integration with the site and the ocean view, using plant species adapted to the coastal climate. The lighting—designed by the Stemmer Rodrigues team—emphasizes the depth of the spaces, the presence of wood, and the smooth transitions between interior and exterior.
More than just a building, Casa Maré is an expression of Stemmer Rodrigues’ commitment to architecture that values authenticity, comfort, and longevity—a way of living that expands the experience of time.
