The Dado Castello Branco Arquitetura firm signs the Deca Apartment at Casacor São Paulo 2026. The environment could be in São Paulo, New York, London, or Lisbon and would work well in any of these cities, as the desire to feel welcomed in the face of the frenetic life of large metropolises transcends any geographical location.
The Deca Apartment is a space designed to experience urban dynamics without losing the intimacy of a home. This concept dialogues with the theme of Casacor 2026, 'Mind and Heart', presenting the home as a place of genuine shelter. A refuge to slow down, pause, and be present with oneself.
The architecture of the historic mansions of Parque da Água Branca, with their generous ceiling heights, arched windows, and natural light passing through the entire space, dictated the design approach. Instead of trying to disconnect the space from where it is inserted, the firm opted to enhance the inspiration that comes from the outside in.
The project imagines a couple as residents, and from this premise, it advances in the design of a contemporary lifestyle where the presence of friends and family is part of the inhabitants' identity. The environments reflect the concept that hosting well is balancing comfort, elegance, and informality. In this context, the art and music elements that permeate these routines make the experience even broader.
The route
The spatial sequence begins in the hall and the powder room, where the presence of color marks the arrival. The living room that opens next establishes itself as the center of the apartment, highlighting what really composes it: art, books, and music.
Special attention to the sound system gives the space the atmosphere of a music room. As a backdrop, fabric-covered walls and wallpaper provide texture, touch, and acoustic quality to the set; curtains suspended and aligned with the window frames filter the incoming light; and an illuminated shelf displaying a book collection organizes the view.
The kitchen integrates fluidly and socially with the living area, with direct opening to the living room, reinforcing the apartment's vocation for socializing and for a broader and more connected dynamic. The built-in refrigerator is a concept product developed by Brastemp exclusively for Casacor, with a covered panel that allows integration with the cabinetry.
The intimate zone completes the program: bedroom, closet, and bathroom form a sequence of environments designed for the couple. In the bathroom, a wrapper of light tones with Portinari cladding defines the materiality, with a bicolor geometric composition floor. The Smart Single basin and the LK bathtub, both Deca launches, stand out in the environment. At the same time, dark metals, a shower enclosure with a black frame, and graphite sinks on a stone countertop are chosen to compose with wooden cabinetry, balancing the dominant white.
Jequitibá Design
Among the furniture pieces, the space presents creations by Jequitibá, a brand founded by Guilherme Castello Branco in 2025 as an extension of his design practice – parallel to the office's management. Among the highlights are the launches of the Nuvem armchair, signed by Dado Castello Branco, and the Fresta lamp, signed by artist and sculptor Artur Lescher.
About Dado Castello Branco Arquitetura
Founded 30 years ago in São Paulo, the firm is currently directed by Dado Castello Branco and his son Guilherme Castello Branco, general director of the firm. With around 30 professionals and projects in the Americas and Europe, the studio continues to expand internationally with the opening of a branch in Lisbon. The office's third book, Timeless Brazilian Architecture and Interiors, was published by Rizzoli in 2025.
