58 DIGS.NET
| 10.21.22
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J O U R N E Y S | C A R VA L H O A R A Ú J O
by Dario Alvarez Basso displayed on a
concrete wall.
Rooms that are styled as centerpieces
in most contemporary homes are
subordinate to the main space in Otiima
House. The kitchen, for example, while
impeccably up to date, is comparably
basic, certainly of a lower key. It is not
situated at the heart of the house, nor is
it even immediately visible from the main
space. Tucked behind the dining area, it
is a happy afterthought, more straight-
forward and essentialist than showpiece.
Overhead, though, a single shaft of light
streams into the kitchen, highlighting the
simple beauty of utility and the power of
a transcendent architectural intervention.
Bookending one end of the main space,
glass doors as tall as the sky make for an
absolute spectacle. Functionally, they are
the connective tissue binding the main
building with the self-contained master
bedroom suite. Separated by a small
courtyard, the spaces owe their alliance
to this transparent feature, but the master
bedroom enjoys complete privacy. Height
in the bedroom remains a highlight—and
then some. The ceiling absolutely soars.
While the main space is expansive, the
mezzanine level, which houses the guest
bedrooms and baths, is a contraction in
volume and a contradiction in character.
Opposites do attract, however, and never
is that truer here. The mezzanine is more
industrial, evidenced by an unrefined steel
frame and exposed bolt heads. Fashioned
as modern cabins, the bedrooms are lined
in timber with massive yet simple wood
shutters. The windows themselves are
more complex, as the owner Ferreira has
business interests in a company special-
izing in high-tech frames and glass.
Of the experience living in this masterfully
architected concoction, Ferreira told the
BBC: "It's fantastic because the house is
very flexible. It's creative. It can transform
itself. It can easily be configured in different
ways and into different environments." As a
house that also changes with the seasons,
he added, "You can open it up, close it in,
host large or small groups. Living here with
the family is always interesting."
The house is compelling outside, as
well, set on calming, almost sacred-like
grounds filled with the tranquil sounds of
nature. Guests would lose themselves
entirely to this setting were not stone
stairs and a natural spring there to lead
them to the pool, whose stillness lingers
in the shade of weeping willows. Also
here, a vegetable garden, fruit trees and
a chicken coop keep the kitchen stocked
with a bounty of fresh local sustenance.
Now available to rent via nice2stay—a
prize in the agency's hand-picked collec-
tion of contemporary vacation homes—
Otiima House is a welcome departure
from the typical. Even more so from the
cares of the world. nice2stay.com
