With a fluid and intrinsic approach to what truly matters, Tintas Coral’s space at the exhibition is characterized by versatile tones.
Coral, a sponsor and the official paint supplier of CASACOR São Paulo, alongside Nildo José and NJ+ Arquitetura, is participating in the event for the seventh time and presenting Casa Coral Celeiro Alvorada, a tribute to the essence of rural Brazil. The name of the space stems from the idea of “celar”—to safeguard what matters—and also from Parque da Água Branca itself, whose origins are linked to agriculture and agribusiness and which is celebrating 30 years since its designation as a historic site. Connected to this history and reinforced by this edition’s theme, “Mind and Heart,” Coral continues the narrative that began last year, in a project that explores the relationship between memory, affection, and permanence. The architecture, interior design, and landscaping exhibition will take place from June 2 to August 9 at Água Branca Park in São Paulo.
In honor of his father, architect Nildo José created a space that evokes nostalgia and celebrates a life. References to the farm and the countryside appear subtly, conveying the idea of a simpler way of life, connected to time, the landscape, and one’s roots. The project views architecture as a support for what endures—not only in objects but also in memories. To create this atmosphere, a color palette was developed that draws inspiration from the works of artist and researcher Dalton Paula, featuring tones that serve not only an aesthetic purpose but also a cultural and emotional one.
“We envisioned a space that speaks to identity, belonging, and continuity. Casa Coral Celeiro offers a sensitive perspective on memories, connections, and what truly endures over time,” says Nildo José.
In a setting that conveys a deeply emotional connection to home, Coral offers a journey through colors that define identity. “Colors are no longer merely a finishing touch; they now build connections and create a sense of warmth and welcome. The concept also highlights how special effects and textures are taking on an increasingly prominent role in contemporary designs, bringing depth and personality to spaces,” says Priscila Perez, Color and Relationship Manager for Decorative Paints at AkzoNobel, the manufacturer of Coral. “This is yet another major project where we’ve been able to demonstrate how color on walls and ceilings transforms the atmosphere of a space. It’s about training our eye and experiencing how color adapts to a wide variety of styles,” she adds.
Striking, Subdued Colors
Right at the entrance to the 213m² space, visitors encounter a gallery in a shade of “Imposing Blue,” painted with Coralit Total Water-Based Paint, designed to serve as an antechamber. The composition features a table made of Breccia Luna quartzite, stools upholstered in Quaker fabric, and a lamp by Sergio Rodrigues. It is along this initial path that the concept begins to unfold, marking a new chapter for the firm, with a more intense use of color and a more immersive atmosphere. The color palette features a blend of brown, caramel, purple, and aqua green, balanced by indirect lighting. The “Caramelo Suave” shade takes on the look of natural stone thanks to the new Coral Granos product, in a medium finish, on the walls and—for the first time at CASACOR—also applied to the ceiling.
The brick floor and exposed, stained wooden beams reinforce the references to rural architecture. The “Distant Mountain” color, applied with Decora Matte, appears on the baseboards, the ceiling trim, and the curved volume of the space, creating visual continuity between the rooms.
Once inside the space, the double-height ceiling and large windows maximize the natural light and the view of the park’s trees, bringing the interior closer to the outdoor landscape. Imposing, the large bookshelf becomes the project’s main architectural element. Structured like a library housing 4,000 volumes, it sets the tone for the space: in the first niches, photographs, poems, and cherished objects reveal memories and personal references; along its length, books fill the shelves and reinforce the idea of permanence, knowledge, and warmth. Integrated into it, the kitchen and dining room appear subtly, set within the central opening of the composition, creating a contrast between the grandeur of the woodwork and the intimate atmosphere of the space. Cutting through the bookshelf, the spiral staircase in the “Renaissance Tapestry” eggplant shade, painted with Coralit Total Water-Based Paint, connects the ground floor to the mezzanine and functions as a sculptural element within the composition.
In the central living room, wood, stone, natural fibers, and handcrafted textures reinforce the project’s organic atmosphere and authenticity. The brown sofa designed by NJ+ shares the spotlight with a chair and armchairs—one of which is inspired by horse saddles. The rug and coffee table complete the composition, characterized by a blend of original design, comfort, and sentimental references to works of art by Portinari, Lorenzato, and Barrão. At the foot of the staircase, a chaise lounge with clean lines, accompanied by a lamp created in partnership with Bertolucci, creates a cozy and intimate reading nook.
In front of the large windows, a daybed takes center stage. The sculptural fireplace, crafted from hand-hewn rough travertine and inspired by the work of Uruguayan artist Gonzalo Fonseca, was made exclusively for Casa Coral and features details reminiscent of farm life, such as birds, cattle brand marks, and symbols linked to memories of Nildo’s father. Integrated into the piece, the bar was also carved from travertine. Next to it, a Manga Jasmine plant in the room brings nature even closer to the home’s interior.
Continuing from the living room, a curved wall leads to the private area. The space features a bed, a panel painted with Decora Matte in the shade “Saibro,” an armchair, and artwork by David Almeida and Lorenzato, creating an environment designed to convey calm, comfort, and warmth. A workspace with a chair designed by the young designer Luisa Moyses completes the space. The bathroom, which follows the color palette of the entire Casa Coral and is designed to promote natural ventilation, once again brings the presence of the outdoor greenery into the design. It also features a cozy bathtub facing the window, inviting contemplation and relaxation.
The Choices at Casa Coral Celeiro Alvorada
To bring the project to life, Casa Coral Celeiro Alvorada brings together brands, artists, and designers who reinforce the emotional narrative and materiality of the space. Evviva’s woodwork frames the large library integrated into the kitchen, while Lepri’s 9x36 Brick Mattone Castagna brick flooring and Granos Granito stones, installed by Sólida Mármores, further evoke rural architecture and the home’s welcoming atmosphere. The furnishings—featuring pieces by Sergio Rodrigues, Percival Lafer, Claudia Moreira Salles, De Padova, Carlos Motta, the Campana Brothers, Lina Bo Bardi, and Etel—interact with works by Aldi Flosi and artworks by Portinari, Lorenzato, Barrão, and David Almeida, reinforcing the balance between memory, signature design, and Brazilian identity.
Team:
Architects: Nildo José + arquitetos associados
Photographers: MCA Estúdio - Denilson Machado Brazil
Materials Used:
CORAL
ALDI FLOSI
ATELIER CARLOS MOTTA
BASILE MARCENARIA
BERTOLUCCI
BRETON
CASA MINEIRA
CONSTRUFLAMA
DECA
DONATELLI
DPOT
ESTÚDIO CARLOS FORTES
ETEL DESIGN
EVOLVEER
EVVIVA SÃO PAULO
GIOVANNA POLLONI (GPO)
GRANOS
HTA MÓVEIS
JOCAL ESTOFADOS
JRJ TECIDOS
LEPRI CERÂMICAS
LETICIA BONONI PAISAGISMO
LIGHT DESIGN
LUMINI
MADEIRA BONITA
OLHO INTERNI
PIATÃ NORTE
QUAKER
R2 DECORAÇÕES
SANDRA TELLES
SILVESTRE VIDROS
SÓLIDA MÁRMORES
TACIELA GOMES
TELLA ENGENHARIA
TROUSSEAU
VITRINE
