Designed by architect Caroline Andrusko, this 450-square-meter garden apartment located in Curitiba, southern Brazil, was developed for a family formed by a couple of physicians and their children. When they first approached the studio, their eldest daughter was two years old, and during the design and construction process they learned they were expecting their second baby. Young and with an intense routine, the family sought a home that would offer warmth and a fluid integration between spaces.
The choice of a garden apartment was decisive, as it provides the feeling of living in a house. The generous outdoor area — featuring a garden, gourmet space, and leisure area — creates an atmosphere that moves away from the typical urban apartment. This perception is further reinforced by the double-height ceiling in the living room, which enhances the spatial experience of the social areas.
The project was developed from the original floor plan, allowing the studio to completely reconfigure the developer’s initial proposal. The main challenge was expanding the mezzanine to accommodate a private family lounge integrated with the upper level. The solution involved the use of a lightweight metal structure, which enabled both the redefinition of the living room — now more spacious and connected — and the creation of a generous, functional kitchen seamlessly integrated into the living area. Prior to the intervention, the space previously allocated to the kitchen, dining room, and laundry featured a double-height ceiling and lacked a clear function.
The couple’s home office was positioned adjacent to the family lounge, ensuring privacy while maintaining proximity to the children. The master suite features a large open walk-in closet, while the children’s bedrooms were designed with a playful atmosphere. On the ground floor, the architect created a playroom near the social areas, ensuring practicality in the family’s daily routine.
The aesthetic proposal follows a modern language with subtle classical reinterpretations, most notably in the kitchen. The starting point was a fluid integration of the social areas combined with a sense of warmth and the desire to keep the children’s spaces nearby and well organized. The architecture balances modernity and comfort while connecting naturally with the outdoor area, reinforcing the feeling of living in a house and encouraging family togetherness.
Lighting plays a fundamental role in shaping this welcoming atmosphere. The automated system allows for different lighting scenes according to the use of each space. Indirect lighting and design fixtures complement the lighting concept, while large openings ensure abundant natural light and strengthen the connection with the outdoor areas.
Finishes were selected from a light and delicate palette, featuring soft textures and minimal contrast. Natural materials and practical finishes were applied to ensure visual comfort and durability. Decorative elements introduce subtle accents of color through cushions, throws, rugs, and artworks. The electrical and plumbing systems underwent a complete overhaul, and several finishes were replaced, including the white marble-clad staircase and the finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms.
