Between the river and the sea on the southern coast of Bahia, Brazil, a new kind of tropical retreat has taken shape. Designed by UNA barbara e valentim, the Modular Bahia project shows what happens when contemporary architecture meets deep sensitivity to climate, territory, and landscape.
Modular Bahia unfolds across a peninsula where the views shift constantly between the ocean, the river, and the surrounding forest. To make the most of this site, the house is divided into three independent sectors, each separated by open patios. This layout allows different groups to coexist comfortably, giving everyone their own rhythm and privacy while still feeling connected.
A central circulation axis ties everything together, creating a natural flow. Along the way, the scenery changes like chapters in a story, opening at some moments toward the sea and at others toward the quiet of the forest.
A key part of this project is its construction system: the Modular BV. Developed by the same architectural team in partnership with CROSSLAM and Abaete, it transforms what could be a standard building model into a high-performance industrialized product. The system combines fast assembly with custom design and a commitment to sustainability, avoiding the limitations you’d usually expect from prefabrication.
Modular Bahia uses an independent wooden structure paired with CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) panels. Engineered wood allows for quick on-site assembly and a controlled, low-waste building process. The entire project was developed in a BIM environment, ensuring tight coordination between architectural solutions and system suppliers. Local labor was integrated into the assembly as well, creating opportunities for knowledge transfer and valuing regional craft.
Inside, the design leans into exposed wood on both walls and ceilings, bringing a warm, grounded feeling to every room. Large glass panels brighten the spaces and pull in the surrounding views, all while staying shaded under generous eaves. Broad wooden decks extend the interiors outward to verandas, terraces, and the pathways that link each module of the house. It’s a seamless blend of shelter and open air.
Sustainability guides every layer of the project, starting with reforested wood as the primary material and modular components that reduce unnecessary waste. Deep roof eaves provide shading and protect the facades, while window openings placed on opposite sides create efficient natural cross-ventilation. The home also incorporates water reuse systems, passive energy generation, and a sloped roof that allows hot air to escape, maintaining comfort even without air conditioning.
Modular Bahia is a thoughtful approach to living with climate, landscape, and technology in harmony. Through smart modular systems and a deep respect for its surroundings, the project offers a glimpse of a more sustainable future for architecture in Brazil.