Designed as a serene coastal escape for a family currently based in Miami, this 180-square-meter apartment underwent a complete renovation led by architect Caroline Andrusko. Conceived as a destination for summer vacations and meaningful family gatherings, the project prioritizes comfort, functionality, and a relaxed sense of well-being through a timeless and sophisticated approach to seaside living. Located in Praia Mansa, a beach destination in southern Brazil, the residence is set within a private single-residence-per-floor building shared exclusively by members of the same family.
The homeowners, a young couple with two daughters, wanted to fully transform the apartment to better accommodate a new lifestyle centered around hosting friends and relatives during their time in Brazil. With direct elevator access and generously connected social areas, the apartment was designed to encourage fluid circulation and moments of togetherness while maintaining privacy between the social and intimate spaces.
The project embraces a contemporary interpretation of coastal living, expressed through understated elegance and natural materials. Caroline Andrusko selected finishes such as wood, travertine, and Pedra Moledo stone, combined with Arauco’s Cerrado wood finish in medium tones, alongside sandy hues and earthy accents layered over neutral bases. Natural fibers featured in the rugs by Botteh further reinforce the apartment’s light and timeless atmosphere.
The renovation involved significant structural interventions, including the addition of a new guest bathroom integrated into the layout through a careful reorganization of circulation and spatial distribution. The floor plan was redesigned to create a greater sense of comfort and fluidity while preserving the distinction between social and private areas.
The apartment’s proximity to the ocean also informed several technical decisions. Durable, low-maintenance materials resistant to salty air were prioritized to ensure longevity over time. One of the project’s defining features is the combination of wood and natural stone in the social spaces, creating a balance between rustic warmth and refined sophistication.
The social area includes an entrance hall with powder room, a living room with lounge area, an integrated dining space, and a balcony with a barbecue area. The private quarters comprise a kitchen, laundry room, three bedrooms, two shared bathrooms, and a primary suite. One of the clients’ requests was the creation of a children’s bedroom that would maintain the project’s natural and understated aesthetic without relying on overly thematic elements.
In the primary suite, mashrabiya-inspired millwork interacts with a travertine panel, adding texture and personality to the space. In the children’s room, the neutral palette is punctuated by subtle color accents, including a rug by Botteh and a terracotta-toned bench designed by Roberta Banqueri. In the powder room, wood cladding contrasts with Diore wall coverings and a Limestone Vermont countertop, reinforcing the apartment’s elegant yet welcoming character.
The interiors also feature iconic pieces by renowned Brazilian designers, including the Diz Armchair and Mocho Stool by Sergio Rodrigues, the Ita table lamp by Adriana Yazbek, the modular Vis table by Patricia Anastassiadis for Artefacto, as well as the Lichia lamp by Cristiana Bertolucci and the Jabuticaba bench by Roberta Banqueri. The family’s personal art collection is integrated throughout the apartment, including a work by Juarez Machado displayed in the entrance hall opposite the powder room.
One of the project’s main challenges was incorporating older furniture pieces into the apartment’s renewed identity. Items carrying sentimental value were thoughtfully integrated through a careful curation of materials and finishes, allowing them to coexist naturally within the contemporary proposal. Existing sofas, for example, gained a refreshed look through new compositions of cushions and fabrics, resulting in a subtle and elegant transformation.
