A sun-drenched living and dining area, clad in warm timber, features a circular dining table with wicker chairs and a vibrant yellow sofa. Expansive glass doors frame views of the outdoor deck and tropical foliage, embodying a light-filled, modern rustic aesthetic with bohemian touches.

Modular Bahia: A Prefabricated Tropical Retreat in Perfect Synch with Nature

Words by Eric David

Bahia, Brazil

Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and a meandering river on a palm-dense peninsula in southern Bahia, Brazil, this new-built tropical retreat dissolves into its lush surroundings rather than disrupting them. Designed by Brazilian architects UNA barbara e valentim as a trio of low-slung timber volumes housing two private houses and a shared pavilion, the development sits lightly on the terrain, connected by raised walkways and enveloped in coconut groves. At first glance, it’s all openness and ease, but beneath the relaxed exterior lies a rigorously conceived modular system that reimagines how to build sustainably, especially when it comes to more sensitive, off-grid locations.

A person relaxes in a vibrant striped hammock, suspended on a wooden deck with a backdrop of lush tropical foliage and palm trees. The view from inside a simple, wood-paneled room emphasizes a fluid indoor-outdoor connection, evoking a sense of tranquil escapism.

Photography by Joana França.

A small, reflective plunge pool set into a wooden deck mirrors the silhouettes of palm trees and the golden glow of a sunset. The composition, dominated by warm light and natural textures, creates a serene, inviting atmosphere that emphasizes connection to the tropical landscape.

Photography by Joana França.

A sheltered outdoor lounge area features an expansive wooden deck flanked by warm timber walls, opening directly to a sun-drenched tropical landscape. Two woven chairs and a small table invite relaxation, embodying a harmonious connection to the surrounding nature.

Photography by Joana França.

A tropical coastal scene features a tranquil laggon reflecting palm trees and the sky, with low-slung buildings visible amidst lush greenery. The warm wooden tones of the structures blend harmoniously with the natural landscape, evoking a sense of secluded, biophilic luxury.

Photography by Joana França.

An aerial view showcases a pristine coastline with a curving river meeting the ocean, flanked by dense tropical vegetation and a line of subtle, modular structures. The expansive natural landscape and the discreet architectural intervention suggest a remote, harmonious escape.

Photography by Joana França.

Developed in collaboration with Crosslam Brasil, a pioneering Brazilian manufacturer of engineered wood, along with construction company Abaeté, UNA barbara e valentim’s "Modular BV" system shifts away from conventional building models toward a more streamlined, precision-made assembly approach. At its core are six standardized, square modules—living room/kitchen, bedroom, studio, utility room, veranda, and garage—each measuring five by five metres. These can be arranged in different configurations depending on the program, terrain, and orientation. Precision-crafted off-site from sustainably sourced eucalyptus and assembled on location, the system significantly reduces construction time and waste while allowing for design flexibility.

A series of black and white isometric diagrams showcases diverse arrangements of modular units, including Living (L), Bedroom (B), Kitchen (K), and Utility (U) spaces. The varying compositions, connected by shaded walkways, illustrate the project's versatile and expandable design system.

Modular BV system. Layout configurations. © UNA barbara e valentim.

A wood-clad structure with a broad, gently sloping roof stands amidst a grove of palm trees. Elevated on a wooden deck, its minimalist form and natural materials blend effortlessly into the tropical environment, reflecting a biophilic and neo-vernacular design approach.

Photography by Joana França.

In this project, aptly named Modular Bahia, the prefabricated modules are configured into three distinct structures, two private residences flanking a communal pavilion, connected via wooden walkways. Slightly elevated on wooden stilts to preserve the site’s native vegetation and natural drainage, the buildings appear to float within the coconut grove, their light footprint minimizing disruption while heightening their connection to the landscape. Composed of open frames and wide overhangs that blur the lines between inside and out, the structure’s slender horizontality mirrors the flatness of the terrain, while its timber cladding dissolves into the rhythm of the palms. Seen from the shoreline, the retreat barely announces itself in any way.

A modernist, low-slung structure with warm wooden siding sits elevated on a deck amidst a tropical landscape. Its clean horizontal lines and expansive openings invite the surrounding palm trees and clear blue sky indoors, embodying a seamless integration with nature and a relaxed, open design.

Photography by Joana França.

A striking, perforated brick tower in a warm peach hue stands beside a complementary building with an external staircase, all set against a clear blue sky. The geometric forms and textured materials create a modern, brutalist-inspired architectural statement in a tropical context.

Photography by Joana França.

From the ocean, a low-profile resort blends into the lush coastal landscape, nestled behind a sandy beach and a line of palm trees. The gentle waves in the foreground contribute to the tranquil, authentic seaside atmosphere, prioritizing harmony with nature.

Photography by Joana França.

A single-storey modern dwelling, partially concealed by lush tropical foliage, features expansive glass walls and warm, earthy-toned cladding, including a distinctive brick-like tower element. The structure's horizontal emphasis and material palette create a dialogue with the vibrant natural surroundings, characteristic of biophilic design.

Photography by Joana França.

A series of elevated wooden walkways connect modern structures with warm timber cladding and a distinct peach-toned building. Surrounded by vibrant tropical foliage and palm trees, the design emphasizes a seamless, integrated living experience within nature.

Photography by Joana França.

Inside, the spaces are pared-back yet tactile, defined by a palette of warm, natural materials and filtered light. Walls and ceilings are lined in honey-toned eucalyptus boards, their subtle variations creating texture without ornamentation. Generous sliding glass doors allow for seamless indoor/outdoor living while framing lush views of the surrounding greenery. Furnishings are understated but soulful: rough-hewn timber furniture, woven lampshades and ceramic pendants are mixed with contemporary and vintage designs giving each space a lived-in warmth. The result is a quietly luxurious sensibility somewhere between a beach cabin and a modernist pavilion..

Bioclimatic intelligence remains the project’s true heartbeat. Broad overhangs provide gentle shade from the high noon sun, while elevated floors encourage cooling airflow beneath. Cross-ventilation is orchestrated through windows on opposite walls, augmented by roof shapes that vent rising heat. Rainwater is harvested in hidden tanks and reused, while solar panels power both electrical and hot water systems. A biodigester treats greywater and waste on site, enabling each unit to function autonomously with minimal environmental impact.

An inviting outdoor dining space on a wooden deck features a large timber table and benches, with a hammock slung between supports. Overhanging ceramic pendants and the lush palm-lined backdrop create a relaxed, biophilic atmosphere, ideal for leisurely meals.

Photography by Joana França.

A person relaxes in a striped hammock under a broad wooden roof, part of a modular structure integrated with the tropical landscape. The open-air design, raw wood textures, and the surrounding palm trees create a casual, biophilic atmosphere, inviting outdoor living.

Photography by Joana França.

A sun-drenched living and dining area, clad in warm timber, features a circular dining table with wicker chairs and a vibrant yellow sofa. Expansive glass doors frame views of the outdoor deck and tropical foliage, embodying a light-filled, modern rustic aesthetic with bohemian touches.

Photography by Joana França.

A modern kitchen and dining space combines sleek wooden surfaces with industrial-style shelving and ceramic pendant lights. Large sliding doors offer glimpses of an outdoor lounging area, blending functional elegance with a relaxed, open-plan living ideal for a tropical setting.

Photography by Joana França.

A wide view of a low-slunf, timber-clad complex stretching along a wooden deck, featuring open dining areas and chaise lounges, all under a vast overhanging roof. The seamless integration with the tropical environment and casual, resort-like amenities reflect a sophisticated coastal design.

Photography by Joana França.

An inviting open-plan living space features a harmonious blend of light wood ceilings and walls, with distinct yellow armchairs and a raw timber coffee table. Expansive windows frame lush tropical views, connecting the interior's minimalist lines and natural materials to the vibrant outdoors.

Photography by Joana França.

  • A spacious, light-filled living area features a palette of natural wood and light textiles, offering views of a lush tropical environment through large glass windows. The minimalist furnishings and warm, earthy tones create a serene and organic atmosphere, characteristic of biophilic design.

    Photography by Joana França.

  • A contemporary dining area, defined by warm wooden ceilings and walls, features a rustic timber table paired with modern green chairs. Large sliding glass doors open to an outdoor deck and tropical landscape, creating a seamless transition and emphasizing a relaxed, indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

    Photography by Joana França.

A warm, timber-clad dining area bathed in golden light features a long rustic table, modern green chairs, and open shelving filled with ceramics. Ceramic pendant lights and horizontal windows revealing glimpses of palm trees enhance the inviting, natural aesthetic.

Photography by Joana França.

As a prototype, Modular Bahia gestures toward a future where architectural ambition and environmental ethics aren’t at odds, where industrialized processes can serve local contexts and climate responsiveness. As architect Fernanda Barbara puts it, the system represents “a natural evolution of engineered wood use, aligned with best practices being tested worldwide.” In a region long prized for its natural beauty, the project offers a new kind of luxury, one defined not by excess, but by restraint, adaptability, and a deep sense of place.

An inviting outdoor dining area on a wooden deck features a long, rustic wooden table with benches, set against a backdrop of palm trees and the ocean at sunset. Ceramic pendant lights hang above, contributing to a warm, evocative atmosphere perfect for shared meals.

Photography by Joana França.

A wide shot of an softly illuminated, low-slung building, featuring extensive glass and warm timber, nestled among a dense forest of palm trees at sunset. The architectural forms blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, creating a luminous, serene tropical escape under a dramatic sky.

Photography by Joana França.

A low-slung, sunlit, low-slung structure nestles amidst dense tropical foliage and silhouetted palm trees under a dramatic, elongated sunset sky. The subtle glow from within hints at a serene, hidden retreat, emphasizing harmony with the natural environment.

Photography by Joana França.

A modern building with a distinctive peach-toned tower stands amidst silhouetted palm trees under a soft, twilight sky. Warm interior lighting emanates from the expansive windows, creating an inviting contrast with the fading light of the tropical evening.

Photography by Joana França.

  • From a low angle, the expansive wooden roof of a modular building extends over a softly lit structure, nestled amongst dark tropical foliage and silhouetted palm trees under a star-dusted night sky. The design emphasizes natural materials and a deep connection to the environment.

    Photography by Joana França.

  • Under a vast twilight sky, a wood-clad structure glows with warm light from within, showcasing a seamless indoor-outdoor transition onto a sprawling wooden deck. Lounge chairs invite relaxation, while the palm trees beyond hint at a tranquil tropical setting.

    Photography by Joana França.

An expansive wooden deck extends from a warmly lit wood-clad building under a dark, starry night sky. The soft illumination highlights the inviting outdoor dining area and lounge space, with silhouetted palm trees creating a serene, immersive tropical atmosphere.

Photography by Joana França.

Under a bright moonlit sky, an outdoor dining setup with a rustic table and benches glows with warm light on a wooden deck. The simple, elegant structure and the silhouetted palm trees create a serene and intimate atmosphere, celebrating the tropical night.

Photography by Joana França.