AP Palace

Gabriel Fernandes

• Architects

The AP Palace project, a 33m² studio apartment located in Santos, São Paulo, reveals how creativity, planning, and a complete renovation can transform a dilapidated property into a true beachfront gem. Purchased at auction by a couple living in Central Africa, the apartment was intended to become a high-end Airbnb, without sacrificing the structure and comfort of a permanent home.

The owners' physical distance didn't prevent the project from progressing smoothly: all client contact—from briefing to delivery—was conducted 100% online by architect Bianca Marques, head of Bimá Arquitetura, who completely redesigned the layout and optimized every inch of the space. The team also oversaw the construction work in person.

photo_credit Gabriel Fernandes — Gabriel Fernandes

Among the main changes is the creation of a service area, which was absent from the original configuration—a significant differentiator within the building. To achieve this, the old kitchen was converted into a laundry room, and the new kitchen was relocated to the social area, integrating it with the living room. The proposal ensured visual fluidity and functionality while maintaining the open-plan concept.

With a contemporary aesthetic and industrial touches, the project adheres to the client's desired color palette: gray, navy blue, and terracotta. The exposed brick wall in the living room, by Manufatti, adds texture and warmth, balancing the neutral tones of the other rooms. Delta Barcelona cement porcelain tile covers the flooring throughout the property, while Portobello's Paris White tile appears in the kitchen and laundry room. The intense blue "Anoitecer" by Suvinil adds personality.

The custom-made Hazelnut Oak and Crystal Gray woodwork was cleverly utilized: in the living room, sliding panels provide privacy in the bedroom and allow the sofa bed to comfortably accommodate two guests. The master bedroom, meanwhile, boasts a spacious wardrobe, a workbench facing the window, and custom lighting.

The bathroom follows the same monochromatic style, with clean cabinetry, black lighting, and a generous vertical niche in the shower. A double-slab sink area, which couldn't be removed, was given the same blue as the kitchen—creating a unified design.

Despite its small footprint, the apartment boasts all the essentials of a complete property, with smart storage solutions and versatile furniture. The laundry room, for example, houses a washer and dryer, a sink, and cabinets for beach accessories.