At a time when residential architecture increasingly seeks to balance aesthetics, functionality, and longevity, Apartment CJJ, located in Vila Mascote, São Paulo, embodies this approach through carefully considered choices and solutions designed exclusively for its residents. Spanning 120 square meters, the project by architect Lívia Leite, founder of Estúdio Maré, was conceived for a couple and their son, prioritizing spaces that stand the test of time without losing their contemporary appeal.
The design is built around a neutral, elegant palette, enhanced by the combination of slim Ipê hardwood parquet flooring, a long-held dream of the clients, and custom cabinetry designed by the studio. Alternating between dark wood and off-white finishes, the cabinetry creates a balance of warmth, light, and sophistication.
The project's defining feature, however, emerged from a fully handcrafted process. Rather than using a ready-made finish, the studio designed an exclusive mosaic floor made from small porcelain tile fragments, individually cut from full-sized porcelain slabs and installed by hand during construction. The pattern connects the balcony to the living room and reappears in the powder room, establishing a distinctive visual identity that runs throughout the apartment.
"We wanted to create an exclusive element that would reflect the family's personality. The mosaic floor was designed specifically for this project and installed piece by piece. It requires precision and time, but the result is unique, with a handcrafted appearance and an identity that cannot be replicated with an industrially manufactured finish," explains architect Lívia Leite.
On the balcony, the flooring takes center stage, complementing the carefully selected furniture and a bar clad in honed Donatello marble, which adds texture and sophistication to the entertaining area. Another standout feature is the barbecue grill, seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry behind a door developed collaboratively by the studio and the carpenters. When closed, the door conceals the appliance, preserving the clean visual lines of the space.
The kitchen, kept separate from the living room, follows the same understated, refined aesthetic. The standout material is brushed Andorinha granite, selected for its natural texture and matte appearance, which reinforce the project's emphasis on materiality. Metalwork also plays an important role in the composition, appearing in the kitchen doors and window, the home office shelving unit, and the powder room door, creating visual continuity throughout the apartment.
The social areas were designed to encourage family interaction without compromising the organization of everyday life. The client's home office was incorporated into the living room and defined by a muxarabi, a traditional latticework screen that provides privacy for the workspace while allowing natural light to pass through. A custom metal shelving unit designed by the studio completes the setting, serving both as an architectural feature and as storage for books and decorative objects.
The third bedroom was completely transformed to meet the needs of the husband, an avid music enthusiast. The room became an office featuring a spacious worktop and a custom-designed shelving unit to accommodate his collection of vinyl records and audio equipment, combining organization with visual appeal.
In the bedrooms, a welcoming atmosphere is maintained through a neutral, timeless design language. The bathrooms feature soft tones and understated finishes, while the son's bedroom and bathroom incorporate muted gray-green accents, introducing personality in a subtle way without disrupting the overall harmony.
Another defining aspect of Apartment CJJ is that nearly all its built-in elements were designed by Estúdio Maré. The cabinetry, metalwork, and stonework were all developed specifically for the project, ensuring cohesion across materials, proportions, and functional solutions.
"Beyond designing beautiful spaces, we aim to create architecture that adapts to the residents' lives for many years to come. Every detail was considered to combine practicality, construction quality, and an aesthetic that does not rely on passing trends. These are the choices that make a home truly unique," concludes Lívia Leite.
By combining natural materials, carefully selected furniture, and a series of bespoke elements developed specifically for the residence, Apartment CJJ demonstrates how personalized design can transform everyday spaces into sophisticated, welcoming environments that are deeply connected to their residents' lifestyles.
Team:
Architecture: Estúdio Maré | Lívia Leite
Photography: Monica Assan
