Architectural Cases

Nestled in Itacaré, southern Bahia, Casa Terramar is a striking architectural endeavor that masterfully integrates with its environment. This 450 square meter residence, envisioned by Estudio Pedro Haruf and completed in 2025, reflects a thoughtful dialogue between contemporary design and the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest and coastal landscape. The design ethos centers on creating a dwelling that feels intrinsically part of its stunning natural context, providing residents with an immersive experience of the local ecology.

The house's layout and material selection are key to its seamless integration. Expansive windows and open-plan areas blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light and ventilation to flow freely while offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding forest and ocean. The use of wood as a primary material further reinforces this connection, echoing the textures and colors of the natural world and contributing to a warm, inviting atmosphere. Every element, from the structural components to the interior finishes, is chosen to enhance the home's connection to its site and promote a sense of tranquility and belonging.

Casa Terramar transcends mere functionality, offering a sanctuary where architecture and nature coexist in perfect equilibrium. It serves as a testament to how modern living can be both luxurious and respectful of its ecological footprint. The design encourages a lifestyle attuned to nature’s rhythms, fostering well-being and a deep appreciation for the unique beauty of Itacaré. This dwelling stands as an inspiring example of innovative and environmentally conscious design, where every detail contributes to a harmonious living experience.

A transformative vision is unfolding along the Someș River in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, where a former industrial area is being reborn as a dynamic, mixed-use district. The RIVUS project, spearheaded by UNStudio and Felixx Landscape Architects and Planners, seeks to seamlessly integrate urban revitalization, the reimagining of existing structures, innovative landscape architecture, and modern public amenities. This extensive initiative, spanning over 14 hectares, is designed to reconnect the city with its long-neglected waterfront, transforming what was once an industrial hub into a thriving public realm.

Central to this development is the thoughtful preservation and adaptation of the site's industrial legacy, particularly two key buildings from the historic Carbochim factory. These structures, dating back to 1949 and once at the heart of Romania's abrasive production, are being repurposed to serve new cultural and entrepreneurial functions. The former administrative building is set to become a hub for coworking and innovation, while the impressive arcade hall will be transformed into a vibrant cultural venue, anchoring the district's public life along the river. The project's architectural language, characterized by flowing lines and circular motifs, deliberately echoes the natural movement of water, emphasizing the Someș River as the core inspiration for the development.

The comprehensive plan for RIVUS encompasses a wide array of new facilities and infrastructure designed to enhance urban living. This includes over 400 retail spaces, more than 30 restaurants and cafes, additional coworking facilities, and various cultural venues, all integrated within a newly designed riverfront park. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainability, with green roofs, planted facades, and native vegetation incorporated throughout the site to manage rainwater and enhance biodiversity. Furthermore, a new network of pedestrian, cycling, and vehicular routes, including two pedestrian bridges across the Someș River and upgraded surrounding streets, will significantly improve accessibility and connectivity. With demolition and excavation already in progress following the zonal urban plan approval in 2025, and the recent issuance of the building permit in March 2026, the construction phase is now well underway, promising a new chapter for Cluj-Napoca's riverside.

The RIVUS project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and community engagement in urban renewal. By embracing its industrial past while envisioning a sustainable and vibrant future, Cluj-Napoca is creating a model for how cities can transform underutilized spaces into thriving, accessible, and environmentally conscious urban environments. This development not only reclaims the riverfront for its citizens but also establishes a new benchmark for integrated urban planning, highlighting the potential for architecture to foster connection, culture, and ecological balance.