Casa Lacerda, one of the main architectural heritage sites in the Lapa region (Paraná), will soon be revitalized. Currently operating as a museum and Heritage House—with rooms styled to recreate the home of a traditional local family—the space will be expanded with the construction of an annex. On Wednesday (18), the National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) and the Paraná Department of the Institute of Architects of Brazil (IAB-PR) announced the winning proposals of the national design competition for the new building.
Casa Lacerda was built in the 1840s as the residence of Portuguese merchant Manoel José Corrêa de Lacerda and preserves its Luso-Brazilian architectural features to this day. Located in the Historic Center, it holds great historical significance for the region: it was here that the document ending the Siege of Lapa—a battle fought in 1894—was signed. Today, the property is owned by Iphan and listed as a heritage site at both federal and state levels.
Anna Finger, head of the technical division at Iphan's Paraná office, explains that the double use of the house has, over time, created a need to expand its space. "It functions as a house-museum, with a layout that reproduces the home of a traditional Lapa family. In addition, we host educational activities and courses in a back room," she notes. "For some time, we had been discussing creating an annex to host temporary exhibitions and workshops. The house is highly visited, receiving thousands of visitors every month."
A total of 72 proposals from 11 different states were submitted. The winners were selected by a jury composed of two professionals appointed by IAB-PR and one by Iphan. According to Finger, the main evaluation criteria were adherence to the brief, efficient visitor flow management, and the sensitivity with which the annex relates to the heritage site. "It cannot overshadow the house," she comments. "[It is essential to] respect the scale, the materials, and dialogue with the overall ensemble."
The final results will be announced on December 26, following the appeals phase. First place will receive a prize of R$ 20,000 and sign a contract for the executive designs valued at R$ 265,000, scheduled for May 2020. Second and third places will receive R$ 10,000 and R$ 5,000, respectively. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2021.
See the winners below:
1st Place: Figueroa Arq+Urb (São Paulo, SP)
The winning proposal was designed by architects Mario Figueroa and Leticia Tamisari of the São Paulo-based firm Figueroa Arq+Urb. The project centers on the concept of an "architectural promenade"—where the path for visitors is implicit in the design of the space. The annex forms an "L" shape on the site, creating a backyard that naturally leads to the new space.
The two-story annex will house a café, a library, a multi-use hall, and a shop, among other facilities. The architects also highlighted sustainable strategies, such as cross-ventilation, green roofs, double-skin ventilated facades, rainwater harvesting, and the use of prefabricated construction systems.
This is not the first time Figueroa has won an architectural competition. A prominent highlight of his career is the Museum of Memory and Human Rights in Santiago, Chile. In Brazil, he has won competitions in São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro.
2nd Place: Zanatta Figueiredo Arquitetos Associados (São Paulo, SP)
In the project by Zanatta Figueiredo Arquitetos Associados, the museum and its annex are separated by the Pátio das Tijoleiras (Tile Patio), creating a point of convergence between the complex's buildings. A pathway runs across the site, connecting the two spaces with a staircase.
The ground floor concentrates "private" areas, such as the museum administration and Iphan offices, along with a double-height exhibition space and a central staircase. The upper floor houses a café, bookstore, workshop, and balcony. The centrally located kitchen serves both the workshop area and the café.
The chosen materials include ceramic tiles (tijoleira), exposed concrete, and steel, onto which the history of Lapa would be engraved to honor local heroes. The landscaping is also a key feature, utilizing plant species that enhance the spaces throughout the seasons.
3rd Place: Conceito Arquitetura (Brasília, DF)
Ceramic brick is a central element of the proposal by Conceito Arquitetura. Used for the plaza flooring, it extends to form the base of the new building, unifying the ensemble. Other materials blend with it: the lower level combines reinforced concrete with exposed columns and slabs, while the upper level features a steel structure.
The project creates "two ground floors": one connecting to the existing courtyard, and another extending from the new entrance at the back of the lot, on the alley parallel to the street where Casa Lacerda is located.
Honorable Mention: Mote 85 Arquitetos (Porto Alegre, RS)
The essence of Mote 85's project is a "promenade-path": a route linking streets, buildings, and different areas of the complex. Two types of spaces are proposed: a "rigid core" containing restrooms, changing rooms, and a pantry, alongside free, fluid areas hosting the annex's cultural and administrative functions. The layout is designed to allow new configurations over time. The building features exposed concrete, brick masonry, aluminum, wooden frames, and glass.
Honorable Mention: Estúdio BG (São Paulo, SP)
Brick is once again the focus in Estúdio BG's proposal, this time creating translucent facades. The design highlights traditional Brazilian construction techniques and elements. In this layout, the building is positioned along the side of the lot, offering two views of the annex: one from Casa Lacerda and its courtyard, and another from the lower alley entrance. "This condition creates a respectful visual dialogue between the elements, while overlapping different moments in the history of the house and the city," explains the project's description.
Honorable Mention: Pagus Arquitetura (Curitiba, PR)
Curitiba-based firm Pagus Arquitetura proposed three different courtyard levels for the complex. With an entrance on the lower street, the lower floor features a welcoming plaza offering views of the historic house. This space can host outdoor exhibitions and cultural performances. The intermediate level expands the backyard area of the house and includes a scenic viewpoint. The upper floor, in turn, features a large veranda. The building connects via a small footbridge to the courtyard, which subsequently leads to Casa Lacerda.
View the complete projects of the winners here.
Via Haus
This article was written by Aléxia Saraiva. The translation is powered by AI.
