The search for a timeless apartment style, with neutral and natural elements, and touches of color in the decoration was what the couple of clients wanted. In addition to this, they both wanted an apartment project that would be spacious, well integrated, that would explore natural lighting and that would be inviting to receive friends. Therefore, a total renovation of the 110m² property, located in the Perdizes neighborhood in São Paulo, Brazil, was carried out. The entire hydraulic and electrical infrastructure was reviewed, as well as all the frames and coverings, and the layout was revised. Initially, the apartment had 3 bedrooms and, after the remodeling, the area of one of the bedrooms was integrated to the living room and the positions of the layout of the kitchen, service area and suite bathroom were reviewed.

The layout of the project prioritized the social area, thinking of several possibilities of use in the same environment. The integrated kitchen, for example, created a use closer to the dining room and living area, where the living room connects these environments in a fluid way. The entire existing floor plan was reviewed, especially the wet areas. The position of the existing kitchen was inverted with the service area and the service bathroom incorporated into the suite area. In the living room area a workbench was also integrated to give support to the home office.

Another highlight was the lighting, both natural and artificial. For example, the cabinet that makes the division between the dining room has a top closing glass that allows natural light to enter the environments and, at night, a led tape creates an interesting scenario of indirect light with the glass. Another example is the closing between the living room and the kitchen, made by a door with wired glass that allows the sealing of the space without losing the entrance of natural light. This solution helps the integration of the environments, and is a light element of sealing, which does not harm the feeling of amplitude of the space, even when closed.

For the finishes, the clients' desire was for the apartment to have a neutral base, pulling towards gray, with natural elements such as concrete, wood and also metalwork. Within this idea, the existing structure was explored by the architecture starting with the exposed concrete beams and pillars. The color palette, materials, and textures were well worked to balance the tones to not create a cold environment.

The American oak cabinetry gained an important function in this project by making the division between the dining room, service area and kitchen, giving support to these three areas. In the dining room, a niche was designed for support as a sideboard and a lower storage space with use for buffet. On the side of the kitchen a niche for microwave, coffee maker and cabinets makes everything more functional.

The service area houses part of the pantry and high cabinets to hold items such as brooms, ladders, and ironing boards.

Team:

Architects: Macro Arquitetos - Carlos Duarte and Juliana Nogueira

Construction: Relf Construções

Management/Coordination: Macro Arquitetos

Photographer: Renato Navarro