Modular Bahia – Bahia, Brazil
Title
Modular Bahia – Bahia, Brazil
Website
Designed by
UNA Barbara e Valentim
Image Credit
© Joana França
Project Description
Project description provided by UNA Barbara e Valentim - Located on Bahia’s Cacao Coast, Modular Bahia is nestled between the river and the sea, surrounded by coconut trees and tropical forest within the Una Environmental Protection Area. The house consists of six single-story modules: two contain bedrooms, kitchens, and living areas, while a third is dedicated to social use with a large kitchen, veranda, and living room. Elevated on a suspended concrete slab, the structure ensures better ventilation, flood protection, and insulation from ground moisture and animals. Sustainability is central to the design.
The house uses glulam wood—a renewable material that stores carbon—and incorporates wide eaves, cross ventilation, and natural lighting. Prefabricated elements reduce construction time, waste, and environmental impact. The sea-facing façade captures morning light and allows the sea breeze to pass through tall, screened openings, blending indoor and outdoor spaces.
Modular Bahia was built using the Modular 5.5 system, a flexible, industrialized construction method that uses reforested wood and adapts to various terrains, climates, and orientations—ideal for remote areas with difficult access. The modular approach prioritizes assembly over traditional construction, ensuring precision, speed, and minimal site disruption.
The home is self-sufficient, featuring solar water heating, photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, and sewage treatment via a biodigester. By maximizing local natural resources and employing a low-energy building system, Modular Bahia addresses climate change concerns. The use of wood delays carbon release, and prefabrication reduces waste, making this model a sustainable and adaptable solution for tropical environments.
