Interior architecture and interior design by Experiencia Áurea
Architecture design by Vargas + Vargas
Photography: Michael Smith
December, 2022
CASA JABOTICABA
A SOPHISTICATED HARMONY OF NATURAL ELEMENTS: THE STAIRCASE AND WATER FEATURE AS THE TRANQUIL HEART OF THE HOME
In this open-concept residence, the vestibular element takes center stage — not just as a passageway, but as the architectural heart of the home. A sculptural staircase, crafted from a refined mix of warm wood and raw concrete, emerges organically from a dry garden. At its base, a soft-flowing water feature adds a layer of tranquility, infusing the space with a refreshing, ambient rhythm. This central space is more than functional — it’s a sensory experience that welcomes, connects, and defines. Acting as the spine of the home, it links the social areas on the ground floor with the more intimate spaces above, guiding movement while telling a story of material harmony, flow, and understated luxury.
The vestibule and main circulation become the home’s central axis — a unifying element that seamlessly connects every space with purpose and elegance.
Floor plan – Level 1
The central patio and staircase garden form the home’s natural oasis — a serene core where architecture and landscape breathe as one. Anchored by a majestic Jaboticaba tree, the patio extends the social area with a cozy deck and doubles as a natural ventilation shaft, cooling the entire home with effortless grace. A bold steel I-beam, both sculptural and functional, cantilevers from the wall with no visible support, channeling water gently into the fountain below. This striking feature greets visitors with movement and sound, marking the entrance with quiet drama and refined tropical elegance.
A sculptural fountain flows in harmony with the central Jaboticaba tree, grounding the space in nature and creating a serene, tropical atmosphere at the heart of the home.
Designed as both a BBQ zone and dining room, this space celebrates family, flavor, and connection. A custom pendant light featuring vintage train bolts adds a personal touch, while the open layout bridges the natural outdoors with the comfort of indoor living — the perfect backdrop for long, memorable gatherings.
BLURRING THE LINES BETWEEN INDOORS AND OUT IS THE GUIDING INTENTION BEHIND THE SOCIAL SPACES OF THIS RESIDENCE — WHERE CONNECTION, FLOW, AND OPEN-AIR LIVING DEFINE THE EXPERIENCE.
The open-concept kitchen, set directly across from the social area, goes beyond function — with a built-in dry bar and curated coffee point, it transforms into a space for gathering, connection, and everyday rituals.
Seamlessly flowing into the outdoor BBQ area and indoor lounge, it blurs the lines between inside and out. At the heart of it all, a large-format dining table in charred teak with bold metal legs becomes the anchor for shared meals, lively conversations, and slow moments with family. A space made for living, not just cooking.
The kitchen unfolds into curated subspaces — a sleek dry bar and a cozy coffee point — blending everyday rituals with refined design to elevate the heart of the home.
The home office features a bold yellow armchair that was important to the family from their previous residency — a piece rich in memory and meaning, anchoring the space with warmth and personal history.
At Experiencia Áurea, honoring memory and family roots is at the heart of every residential project — infusing each home with the unique personality of those who live in it. In this reading nook, a bold yellow armchair becomes the soul of the workspace, inviting quiet moments of reflection. Thoughtfully layered with meaning and comfort, every detail is designed to feel deeply personal. Because for us, true luxury lies in creating spaces that don’t just look beautiful — they feel like home.
The workspace volume stands out as a visual anchor, seamlessly connecting to the staircase shaft and enhancing the home’s architectural flow.