Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Apto ML
Fran Parente

Apto ML

Located in an upscale neighborhood of São Paulo, this 180 sqm apartment underwent a complete renovation that transformed the original layout and redefined the way a couple and their son live. The project was driven by the desire to create a generous, integrated social area capable of accommodating both the fast pace of everyday life and moments of gathering and entertaining friends.

The main intervention was the full incorporation of the balcony into the interior, resulting in a continuous space that brings together the living room, dining area, TV lounge, and gourmet kitchen. This integration expanded the sense of space and established new relationships between the different areas, encouraging shared use and interaction. Organic-shaped ottomans help stitch these zones together, creating subtle transitions without the need for physical barriers.

photo_credit Fran Parente
Fran Parente
photo_credit Fran Parente
Fran Parente

The redistribution of the layout also transformed the private quarters. The former TV room was converted into a comfortable suite for the couple’s son, ensuring greater privacy and independence within the family dynamic. The master suite, in turn, was expanded by incorporating an intermediate bedroom, making room for a generous walk-in closet and creating a more welcoming and functional atmosphere for the couple.

photo_credit Fran Parente
Fran Parente
photo_credit Fran Parente
Fran Parente

The project’s concept is expressed through a contemporary language guided by comfort, continuity, and an appreciation for natural materials. The existing wood flooring was preserved and extended into the former balcony, dissolving the boundaries between indoors and outdoors and reinforcing the unity of the space. A neutral palette of beige tones and wood creates a serene and inviting backdrop, highlighted by statement elements such as an organically shaped rug and a cabinet with green suede-clad doors, adding texture and personality to the environment.

The project also celebrates memories and meaningful objects. A reinterpreted china cabinet displays glassware inherited from the family, connecting past and present. Artworks and pieces of Brazilian design contribute to the apartment’s identity, including an armchair by Jorge Zalszupin, a lounge chair by Jader Almeida, objects by RC Objeto, a painting by the artist Will, and a sculptural table by Lucas Recchia. Together, these elements introduce layers of meaning and reinforce the personal character of the space.

photo_credit Fran Parente
Fran Parente
photo_credit Fran Parente
Fran Parente

The gourmet area, integrated into the living room, was conceived as a functional yet welcoming setting, designed especially for moments of pause and gathering. A custom-made door allows the prep area to be concealed when not in use, preserving the visual lightness of the open-plan environment.

Designed to adapt to the different rhythms of family life, the apartment serves as a weekday retreat and a setting for gatherings on weekends. The generous, step-free circulation enhances comfort and accessibility, while the integration of spaces creates a fluid, contemporary home deeply connected to the daily routines and memories of its residents.

photo_credit Fran Parente
Fran Parente
photo_credit Fran Parente
Fran Parente

Team:

Architects: Marcela Penteado

Photographer: Fran Parente

photo_credit Fran Parente
Fran Parente
photo_credit Fran Parente
Fran Parente
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