Sailing — A Landmark in the Architecture of the Santa Catarina Coast
Vela is a large scale project located in the city of Bombinhas, on the Santa Catarina coast. Set in a vast court filled with vegetation, the project is inspired by the shape of a sailboat sail, a coincidence or destination that reflects the deep connection of the Schürmann family, partner in the project, with the sea. This project symbolizes an innovative approach to urban design and coastal architecture, breaking with the repetitive and monotonous typologies that have dominated the region for some time.
The essence of Vela lies in its reinterpretation of building codes, seeking intelligent solutions to improve the relationship between the building, the people and the urban space. Traditionally, buildings in Bombinhas have ground floors occupied by parking spaces, creating visual and functional barriers with the surroundings. At Vela, that logic was challenged. Through a visionary implementation, the ground floor was freed up for people, opening space for an internal street exclusively for pedestrians. This street, with a human scale, connects residents and visitors, offering spaces for living, shopping and leisure that transform the project into a vibrant and welcoming microcosm.
The project presents a linear building that unfolds in steps, respecting the topography of the land and incorporating vast green areas. The facades dialogue with the surroundings, creating privileged views of the sea and nature. This solution promotes cross ventilation, balanced insolation and a sense of integration with the natural environment, while the architectural design evidences a commitment to functionality and contemporary aesthetics.
At the center of the development, a parking building serves as the base for a large outdoor leisure area, connecting the residential buildings while freeing the ground floor for pedestrians. This strategy allows the project to prioritize people, encounters, and diversity of uses, providing spaces for playing, eating, talking, and living fully. Vela redefines the meaning of living on the coast, with an attentive eye to the future, promoting urban kindness and strengthening ties between residents, neighbors and the city.
More than an architectural project, Vela is a manifesto. It sets new standards for how coastal architecture can and should be designed, prioritizing people over cars, encounters over barriers, and cities over just buildings. This project is positioned as a landmark, inspiring new ways of thinking and building the Santa Catarina coast.
