To gaze upon the vast Atlantic and the silhouette of Brazil’s southeastern coastline: this was the architectural challenge faced by Afetto Lab when taking on the renovation of a 249 m² (2,680 sq. ft.) penthouse in Bertioga, on the coast of São Paulo. Originally segmented and featuring a flow that ignored its privileged views, the property underwent a structural transformation to replace walls with fluidity, ensuring the horizon is the centerpiece of the architecture.
The project, titled Living Horizon Apartment (Apartamento Horizonte Vivo), was born with the mission of converting a rigid floor plan into a fluid summer retreat, capable of hosting three generations of a family around the seascape. “Luxury here manifests in simplicity and connection. We didn’t want to compete with the sea, but rather create a frame for it,” explains Vitor Guimarães, architect and partner at the firm.
Integration that enhances space and breathability
The kitchen, formerly a closed environment, was repositioned to become the heart of the home, facing the horizon. The standout feature is the use of Vivid Green Brazilian quartzite, a striking natural stone that brings a fresh green hue indoors, contrasting with the light-toned cabinetry.
In the gourmet area and dining room, the primary strategy was the elimination of physical barriers between the social interior and the exterior. By removing the doors that restricted the balcony, the architects elevated the space, reclaiming approximately 20 m² of usable area.
A bespoke table was designed to "embrace" the building's circular structural pillar, comfortably accommodating over ten people. “This project is designed for gathering. Even when people are engaged in different activities, we created an environment where everyone remains together,” notes Giullia Aguiar, architect and partner at Afetto Lab.
Reconfigured privacy and smart hospitality
The private quarters also underwent layout interventions. The master suite, which previously lacked a sea view, was relocated to occupy the space of another bedroom. Now connected to the landscape, the room features slatted wood panels and cane-webbing (“palhinha”, in Portuguese) fronts to ensure natural ventilation and a coastal aesthetic.
To accommodate children and grandchildren with maximum comfort, the architects proposed custom-built structural bunk beds capable of supporting up to 300 kg (660 lbs), positioning twin beds over double beds. This solution optimizes space without sacrificing elegance, maintaining the visual unity of light fabrics and natural fibers found throughout the apartment.
In the outdoor area, the aluminum furniture, chosen for its resistance to the salty sea air, is complemented by a portable fire pit. This extends the balcony’s usability into cooler days, providing thermal comfort without obstructing the view.
The sustainability of "staying"
Moving away from renovations that discard everything in their path, the project adopted a stance of conscious preservation. The original flooring was kept and restored, as were the stone finishes in the bathrooms. Materials that required removal, such as the balcony frames and old kitchen countertops, were donated to local staff currently building their own homes, closing a circular economy loop.
“Sustainable design is that which endures over time. We chose pieces that aren't just furniture, but future memories of the family’s emotional history,” concludes Giullia.
The lighting follows the same premise of well-being: maximizing natural light through skylights and an indirect nighttime lighting scheme, complemented by hidden LEDs in the cabinetry to create various relaxation scenarios.
