Lucas Fernandes Arquitetos designs 2,700-square-foot residence blending preserved materials with Brazilian modernist furniture collection
SÃO JOSÉ DO RIO PRETO, Brazil - Casa Ale, a 2,700-square-foot home distributed across two floors, has just been renovated by architecture firm Lucas Fernandes Arquitetos. The project prioritized the preservation of structural elements and original flooring, reorganizing spaces through custom millwork solutions and curated material selection.
The existing floor—a composition of crema marfil marble and absolute black granite stripes—became the project's protagonist and inspired the entire color palette throughout the residence. To integrate this element into the new concept, the team created an organic black rug that extends fluidly over the striped floor, defining the living and dining zones without interrupting visual continuity between spaces.
The design strategy worked with balanced contrasts between light and dark, warm and cool. Darkened oak veneer panels run through all rooms, functioning as a unifying element. This architectural solution addresses practical needs—such as invisible doors and space zoning—while providing a backdrop for the homeowner's design collection, a young entrepreneur passionate about architecture.
Project philosophy
The renovation was born from the need to create an environment that would reflect the resident's passion for architecture and contemporary design. The result is a home that works both for intimate daily moments and social gatherings, reflecting the dynamic lifestyle of its owner.
The chromatic transition follows a defined spatial logic. Neutral tones predominate in the living room and gradually evolve toward touches of color on the terrace, where green elements from landscaping complete the composition and create a relaxed atmosphere. This chromatic progression guides visitors through different environments, creating a visual narrative that runs throughout the entire home.
Materiality and identity
The darkened oak panels not only fulfill an aesthetic function but respond to specific functional needs. They conceal doors, built-in closets, and technical elements, maintaining the visual cleanliness of spaces. At the same time, their dark tonality contrasts with the light marbles of the floor, accentuating the play of contrasts that characterizes the project.
Crema marfil marble, a natural stone of Spanish origin widely used in high-end projects, brings warmth and luminosity to spaces. Its combination with absolute black—a deep-toned granite—creates a visual rhythm that energizes the home's floors.
Integrated social area
The heart of the project integrates living and dining through the organic black rug, which creates distinct but visually connected gathering zones. This textile piece with sinuous forms dialogues with the straight lines of the marble floor, softening the rigorous geometry of the stripes.
The terrace represents the culmination of the chromatic proposal, combining wood, greenery, and color accents. This covered outdoor space functions as an extension of the living room and is configured as a prime area for leisure and entertainment. The outdoor furniture dialogues with the design pieces from the interior, maintaining the aesthetic coherence of the whole.
The master suite balances vibrant decorative elements with the serenity of wood, configuring a personal refuge. In this private space, oak panels create a welcoming environment that invites rest, while touches of color add personality without breaking the general harmony.
Brazilian design collection
The project incorporates iconic pieces of Brazilian design, including works by Jean Gillon, Jorge Zalszupin, and Zanine Caldas. These designers, active during the 1950s through 1970s, are considered masters of Brazilian modern design, and their pieces are highly sought after in the international collector's market.
A work by visual artist Marcelo Gandhi anchors the living room shelving, demonstrating the dialogue between architecture and contemporary art. This piece functions as the focal point of the environment, drawing the eye and generating conversation.
The curation of furniture and artworks was not casual. Each piece was selected for its ability to dialogue with the architectural space and with other pieces, creating a harmonious ensemble that transcends mere decoration to become a coherent design collection.
Technical challenges
According to the firm, the main challenge of the renovation consisted of harmoniously integrating the existing striped floor into the new concept. "We sought to develop a young and welcoming atmosphere, where each element contributes to a unique spatial experience," states the responsible architect.
The solution came through the organic rug, which embraces the original floor, transforming it into a controlled highlight element. This textile intervention allows the marble to remain the protagonist without visually dominating all environments, creating a subtle balance between preservation and innovation.
The final result is a home that functions on multiple levels: as an everyday residence, as an entertainment space, and as a private gallery of Brazilian design. The renovation demonstrates that it is possible to intervene in existing spaces with respect for what pre-exists, creating contemporary environments without erasing the memory of the place.
Casa Ale is located on a 4,050-square-foot lot in São José do Rio Preto, a city in the interior of São Paulo state. Photography of the project is by Carolina Mossin.
Project Credits Design: Lucas Fernandes Arquitetos
Location: São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
Area: 2,700 sq ft (two floors) Lot: 4,050 sq ft
Photography: Carolina Mossin (@carolinamossinfotografia)
Type: Residential renovation / Interior design
