Apto Melo Alves

Evelyn Müller

• Architects

This project by Carla Dichy, has the idea was to have functional, bright, and contemporary spaces, where every detail would make a difference. The carpentry was carefully thought out, as much as the architectural layout, and both are very well integrated. At the entrance of the apartment, panels hide the doors to the main entrance, the lift platform, the powder room, the kitchen access, and the access to the private area. The oak wood alternates with gray Formica, which complements the Bateig Blue limestone flooring. A sculptural wooden staircase right at the entrance marks and defines the spaces. All the carpentry in the house was made with the same batch of wood, chosen by the architect at the lumberyard.

photo_credit Evelyn Müller — Evelyn Müller

A duplex, with the lower floor being where day-to-day life takes place. It has the bedrooms, kitchen, and a cozy living area with a dining table integrated. There's no need to go upstairs.

On the upper floor, there's an outdoor area with a barbecue grill, an outdoor dining table, and an uncovered outdoor lounge in the garden. A dining room, 2 living areas, and a closed room that serves as a TV room, home office, and guest bedroom. Around the entire upper floor, there’s a planter surrounding the apartment. The small windows and the Norman-style low-pitched roof were replaced by large windows and a metal structure roof with an internal ceiling height of 2.90m. Flooring in Bateig Blue limestone and ceiling in European oak wood.

All the furniture from the previous apartment was reused, as the dining table that became the day-to-day table and the TV console on the lower floor, which was re-veneered in American oak. The idea was to have a clean and neutral base but with personality. One that could withstand the daily use of three lively and energetic boys. So maintenance was an important requirement. The spaces were designed to be used and not to look like store displays or magazine covers. That’s why there’s a multipurpose area on the lower floor with a TV room, tamancobol table, and dining table — where daily interaction happens.

But aesthetics were also important. The starting point was the architectural conception of the spaces. Then came the detailing of the carpentry that covers the entire apartment. The furniture was partly designed by the architect and partly carefully selected to complement the space. Signed design pieces like armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Pétala coffee table by Jorge Zalszupin, dining table by Jader Almeida, dining chairs by Sérgio Rodrigues. Artwork was placed strategically throughout, adding personality and harmonizing with the space paintings by Chiara Banfi, photos by Cláudio Edinger and Ana Nitzan, pieces by Yara Dewachter. Rugs were also placed only in strategic areas as the living room, by By Kamy and Punto e Filo (Alessandra Delgado).