In the lush coastal landscape of Paraty, Brazil, architectural studio SUITE has completed a thoughtful and restrained expansion of the ELL House. Originally built in the 1980s, the residence has been given a new lease on life through the addition of a carefully integrated new volume. Rather than imposing a modern contrast that would overwhelm the existing structure, the architects chose to honor the simplicity of the home’s original architecture, utilizing a palette of natural materials that bridges decades of design philosophy.
The project, curated by Susanna Moreira and documented through the lens of photographer Ricardo Bassetti, centers on a deep respect for the surrounding environment and the architectural heritage of the region. By incorporating traditional building elements such as stone, raffia, and local solid hardwood, the design team ensured that the new addition feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in the historical and geographical context of Paraty.
The original ELL House, characteristic of its 1980s construction era, featured a straightforward layout and structural honesty that lent the property a timeless charm. Over the years, however, the evolving needs of its inhabitants called for an expansion. Instead of altering the core layout or disrupting the spatial balance of the existing home, SUITE opted to introduce a complementary volume. This new architectural element expands the usable living space while maintaining a seamless dialogue with the older structure, ensuring that the transition between the past and the present is virtually imperceptible to the eye.
Central to the success of the ELL House expansion is the material palette chosen by the architects. The integration of local solid hardwood provides structural warmth and visual continuity, echoing the timber elements often found in traditional Brazilian coastal architecture. Furthermore, the use of stone anchors the building firmly to its site, creating a tactile connection to the rugged terrain of Paraty. Complementing these heavy, enduring materials are lighter textures like raffia, which introduce a sense of delicacy and breathability to the interiors and semi-outdoor transitional spaces. These materials work in harmony to filter natural light and frame views of the surrounding gardens and courtyards, enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience that is essential to the tropical climate of the region.
The architectural approach taken by SUITE highlights a growing trend in contemporary residential design: the preservation and sensitive adaptation of mid-to-late 20th-century architecture. Rather than succumbing to the temptation of total demolition or oversized modernization, the project demonstrates how older homes can be successfully updated to accommodate modern lifestyles without sacrificing their original character. The careful proportioning of the new volume ensures that it respects the scale of the original 1980s structure, preserving the low-slung, approachable profile that defines the property.
As architectural practices continue to re-evaluate the environmental and cultural impact of building from scratch, adaptive reuse and sensitive expansions like the ELL House offer a compelling alternative. By prioritizing local materials, respecting historical context, and maintaining architectural humility, SUITE has successfully preserved the spirit of a 1980s home while tailoring it for contemporary living in one of Brazil’s most picturesque coastal settings.
