Transforming a 73m² apartment into a functional space with a welcoming atmosphere and minimalist aesthetic was the challenge taken on by the Intu Arquitetura firm, led by architect Gabriella Guerreiro. The property, located in the Pinheiros neighborhood of São Paulo, belongs to a young woman from Recife who lives alone but frequently hosts her parents and friends in the city.
The project came about as a result of a happy coincidence: after carrying out work on another apartment in the same building, Gabriella was referred by the caretaker to a new contact, who was looking for a professional to adapt the newly delivered property to his needs.
"The client was looking for a functional apartment for everyday use, with space for a home office and space to entertain friends and host her parents. The idea was to create a home with a timeless, minimalist aesthetic, without sacrificing comfort and practicality," explains Gabriella.
Aiming to minimize structural changes while focusing on solutions that would improve the use of space, the architect proposed specific, strategic changes. One of them was integrating the kitchen with the service area, moving the laundry room closer to the terrace and creating a new countertop next to the stove—a solution that significantly expanded the food handling and preparation area.
The cabinetry, designed by Yama Móveis and custom-designed by Intu, was a key feature of the project. "We designed every detail to ensure functionality and a light, fluid look. We focused on rounded corners, wood tones, indirect lighting, and a neutral palette that conveys tranquility," says Gabriella.
Monofloor's monolithic flooring was chosen to unify the spaces and provide a feeling of spaciousness, while Teto Vinílico's wood-look vinyl ceiling visually warmed the living room.
In the bathrooms, the original tiles delivered by the construction company were retained at the client's request, as she opted to save money in this area to invest more effectively in other areas. To enhance the space, Gabriella incorporated design elements through carpentry and ceramics from Cerâmica Atlas.
In the kitchen, the spotlight is on Portobello's Gouache coverings, which integrate with the project's minimalist and timeless concept.
In the social area, the highlights include the precise selection of furniture from Vmobili, objects from Casa Still, and the lighting fixture over the dining table: an acoustic pendant from Boobam, made of mushrooms, which, surprisingly, had already been presented to the client at a college lecture just days before the architect's proposal. "When Gabi showed me the Hogar S pendant, I told her the designers had presented the piece in my class that same week! It was a beautiful coincidence, and I loved the choice," recalls the resident.
The final result exceeded all the client's expectations, describing the project as a dream come true. She praised the architect's sensitivity and care at every stage, from conceptualization to construction supervision. According to the resident, Gabriella perfectly translated everything discussed during the creative process, delivering a home better than she could have imagined.
For her, the project was the result of a successful partnership, marked by a true meeting of affinities. Even with the project being overseen remotely, the architect demonstrated complete competence, making the entire process smooth and seamless. The client also emphasized that the final result reflected exactly what she was looking for: a cozy, pleasant, and meaningful environment.
With three months of design and five months of construction, the home gained new uses and a new soul — now prepared for all the nuances of the resident's daily life.
Team:
Architects: Intu Arquitetura
Photos: Lilian Lawand
Materials Used:
Yama Móveis, MOB Engenharia, PortobelloShop, Arabesco Decor, Monofloor, Seleto Marmoraria, Loja Obra Fácil, Vmobili, Lepri, Woodskull, Casa Still, Arquitetura da Luz, Boobam
