JM Apartment

Carolina Lacaz

• Architects

Renovation of a Challenging Floor Plan Optimizes Circulation and Enhances Spatial Integration

A 127 sqm apartment project by Paula Warchavchik, founder of W.Arquitetura, reconfigures interiors and highlights a privileged view in Vila Madalena

São Paulo, 2025 – Located in Vila Madalena, the JM apartment, designed by Paula Warchavchik of W.Arquitetura, underwent a complete renovation to align with the lifestyle of its residents. The main challenge of the 127 sqm project was its original narrow and elongated layout, which required creative solutions to optimize space without compromising comfort and flow.

photo_credit Carolina Lacaz — Carolina Lacaz

Among the couple’s top priorities were creating an open-plan kitchen, integrating the balcony as a social area, and adding a separate TV room. The bedroom configuration was also rethought to enlarge the master suite, allowing space for a walk-in closet and
a redistribution of the bathrooms.

To elevate the social area, the laundry room was reduced in size, making space for a built-in wooden bench strategically placed to take advantage of the apartment’s privileged view of Praça do Pôr do Sol in São Paulo’s West Zone. “Every solution was carefully crafted to balance functionality and warmth, ensuring the spaces aligned with the residents’ daily life and desires,” explains architect Paula Warchavchik.

With a contemporary style influenced by industrial aesthetics, the project features a neutral palette accented by shades of blue and green. Porcelain tile flooring was chosen for its practicality—especially with a large dog in the home—while wooden flooring
in the bedrooms brings an added sense of coziness.

In the master suite’s bathroom, a granilite backsplash stands out as a focal point, while the second powder room takes on a more playful tone without losing its timeless appeal.

In the nursery, the space previously occupied by a bathroom was repurposed to enlarge the room, adding comfort and functionality. A curved ceiling allows for a higher ceiling height wherever possible, bringing a sense of openness and lightness to the space.

In the kitchen, sophistication is expressed through carefully selected finishes: ultra-compact stone countertops, custom cabinetry, and hydraulic tiles. Smart solutions enhance daily life, such as a functional niche that discreetly stores the microwave, water filter, and small appliances, preserving the space’s aesthetics. In the dining area, a custom sideboard accommodates a coffee machine and utensils while maintaining functionality and visual lightness.

Another highlight is the positioning of the bed in the couple’s room. Facing the view, its layout had to work around a cutout in the building’s facade. The solution was a custom carpentry design that allows the nightstands to slide beneath the bed, creating
a seamless and harmonious look.

Apartment JM perfectly reflects the personality and lifestyle of its residents, balancing coziness and practicality. The connection to the outdoor area, the soft color palette, and intelligent design choices make this project a clear example of how architecture
can transform spaces into meaningful and unforgettable living experiences.