Designed by Brazilian architect Simara Mello, this 372-square-metre apartment was created for a family with whom she has maintained a long-standing professional relationship. Conceived as a vacation retreat, the residence was designed to accommodate different generations with comfort and ease. The couple has four adult children, all married, as well as grandchildren, and the project responds to a lifestyle centered on family gatherings and extended stays during holiday periods. Located in Praia Brava, in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, the apartment is defined by its connection to the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
The design combines a minimalist approach with subtle references to a coastal setting and began with a revision of the original floor plan to optimize the use of space and adapt the layout to the family’s needs. One of the main interventions was the creation of a multipurpose room in the private area, designed especially for the grandchildren and bringing together spaces for studying, playing, spending time together and providing additional support for the bedroom suites.
The integration of the living areas, balcony and landscape was one of the central aspects of the project. The layout was oriented toward the outdoors, making the most of the ocean views and strengthening the direct relationship with the building’s open areas. This connection was further enhanced by the landscaping designed by Terraço Paisagismo, which created gardens on the balconies to establish visual continuity with the surrounding landscape.
In the support areas, including the kitchen and laundry room, masonry was adapted to improve everyday functionality. The initial proposal for an open kitchen raised some concerns among the residents. The first solution included a door with a wide opening that would have interfered with the apartment’s main view. As the project developed, the design evolved into a partially open kitchen, with a dividing cabinet featuring doors clad in textured stone. Designed to resemble a continuous wall, the structure provides greater privacy for the appliances and service areas without compromising the overall visual integration.
The material palette is defined by the predominant use of wood and stone throughout the apartment. Finishes have a matte, natural appearance, reinforcing the welcoming and timeless character of the interiors.
The lighting design prioritizes natural daylight, enhancing the changing quality of light throughout the day. As a complement, indirect lighting and table lamps were incorporated to create more intimate and comfortable atmospheres. Among the highlights are small Danish-designed lamps selected by the client during her travels and incorporated into the project as pieces with sentimental value.
The interventions involving changes to the masonry also required a complete review of the electrical and plumbing systems, air-conditioning infrastructure and window frames, ensuring that all technical systems were updated and integrated with the new design.
