Casa em Itu, São Paulo state residential building, Brazil property photos, new Brasil real estate

Casa em Itu in São Paulo State

27 February 2026

Architectural Design: Nitsche Arquitetos

Location: near Itu, São Paulo state, Brazil, South America

Photos by André Scarpa

Casa em Itu, São Paulo, Brazil

Located within a gated community near the city of Itu, in the countryside of São Paulo state, Casa em Itu emerged from a design process that began even before t’he plot was acquired. The clients commissioned Nitsche Arquitetos during the lot selection phase, enabling a careful assessment of topography, solar orientation, privacy and views — factors that proved decisive in shaping the architectural strategy.

The chosen corner plot, sloping toward the most open views and facing north, allowed for an efficient siting strategy with minimal earthworks and optimal use of the site’s natural conditions. The first intervention was the creation of a level platform, its elevation determined by balancing cut and fill, eliminating the need to remove soil from the site and significantly reducing construction impact.

Set atop this platform, the single-storey residence unfolds without level differences in relation to the garden, reinforcing the idea of continuous and accessible spatial flow. This intention is further emphasized using a single flooring material throughout: São Tomé stone (white quartzite), laid continuously across both interior and exterior areas.

The spatial organization is structured around two perpendicular volumes forming an L-shape, open to the north and toward the garden and swimming pool. One wing accommodates the social areas — living room, kitchen and service spaces — while the other concentrates the sequence of bedrooms and bathrooms. Between them, a covered courtyard, naturally ventilated and lit, operates as the heart of the house, housing the barbecue area and everyday gatherings.

The site’s topography also allowed for a secondary access from the lower portion of the plot, where the garage, technical areas and a semi-submerged guest suite were discreetly inserted, without interfering with the primary architectural reading of the house.

Structurally, the project stands out for its use of glued laminated eucalyptus timber, employed within a lightweight, modular system designed for efficient assembly. Produced and erected by Ita Engenharia em Madeira, the structure is composed of exposed timber frames measuring 3 by 6 meters, formed by columns and beams. The repetition of these modules lends constructive rationality, spatial flexibility and legibility to the structural system.

The material and colour palette derives directly from the building’s constructive elements: eucalyptus timber in the structure, ceiling and brise-soleils; the light-toned stone flooring; and the natural green hue of the Hijau stone swimming pool. Vertical timber brise-soleils and operable folding screens fitted with silver Soltis mesh allow for precise control of sunlight and privacy, enhancing the home’s environmental performance.

Casa em Itu in São Paulo State, Brazil – Property Information

Architecture: Nitsche Arquitetos – https://www.nitsche.com.br/

Lead Architect: Lua Nitsche
Project Coordination: Barbara Muhle
Timber Structure: Ita Engenharia em Madeira
Contractor: Tagua Engenharia
Building Services Engineering: Zamaro – Projeto de Instalações
Landscape Design: Catê Poli Paisagismo
Aluminium Frames: Jmar Esquadrias de Alumínio
Lighting Design: Fernanda Carvalho Lighting Design

Timber Brise-Soleils: Madesan
Soltis Mesh: Serge Ferrari
Location: Itu, SP, Brazil
Built Area: 511 sqm
Typology: House
Design Year: 2024
Completion: 2025
Image Credits
Photography: André Scarpa
Photo Production: Deborah Apsan

About Nitsche Arquitetos:
Founded by Lua Nitsche in 1996, the practice brings together the architect and her brothers Pedro Nitsche (born in São Paulo, 25 July 1975, graduated from FAU-USP in 2000) and João Nitsche (born in São Paulo, 3 April 1979, graduated in Fine Arts from FAAP in 2002). The office operates across architecture, visual communication and visual arts.

About Lua Nitsche:
Born on 25 November 1972 in São Paulo, Brazil, Lua Nitsche graduated from the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of São Paulo in 1996. She holds a postgraduate degree in Timber Structures from IPT and is a professor at Escola da Cidade.

Over three decades of practice, Nitsche Arquitetos has received national and international awards for projects that investigate timber structures, prefabrication and the integration between architecture and landscape.