Orchid garden

Gabriel Fernandes

• Architects

The challenge of reconciling distinct cultural references and transforming them into a cohesive and functional home was the starting point for the Orquidário Apartment, designed by Bimá Arquitetura. Located in the Marapé neighborhood of Santos (SP), the 70m² property was purchased by the couple while still in the planning stages and delivered in 2023, marking the second residential experience for the residents—now more mature and discerning in their choices.

On the one hand, the husband's desire to reclaim his Minas Gerais roots in a rustic setting; on the other, the client, a Caiçara woman, who sought warmth and comfort without sacrificing a contemporary and light-hearted look. Architect Bianca Marques found in wood, custom carpentry, and a selection of folk art a way to harmonize distinct worlds, always respecting the couple's practical needs and ensuring fluid spaces for their little son, Joaquim, to move around.

photo_credit Gabriel Fernandes — Gabriel Fernandes

Among the premises established at the outset of the project were the integration of the living room and balcony, the reduction of the guest bedroom/office, and the maintenance of the separate kitchen. These decisions guided the preliminary study and resulted in layout changes that enhanced the functionality of the spaces. The living room gained spaciousness by opening onto the balcony, framed by the view of the green hillside in the background, and the kitchen was expanded by 30 cm to accommodate more cabinets, a key solution to meet the client's request for organization and practicality.

The apartment received new finishes throughout, notably the wood-effect porcelain tile on the floor, the brick wall in the dining room, and the selection of Itaúnas granite and white quartz countertops. In the bathrooms, the idea was to bring clarity and warmth with gray and beige finishes. The furniture also took center stage: the china cabinet and rack in the living room were designed by the firm and manufactured by a carpentry company specializing in solid wood furniture, ensuring exclusivity and a personal connection.

The artwork, particularly the woodcuts by Pablo Borges, Baccaro, Gustavo Borges, and J. Borges, reinforce the project's original character and bring a Brazilian touch to the spaces. In the bedrooms, each space reflects the residents' identity: in the children's room, the plaid wallpaper references the family's Minas Gerais origins; in the master bedroom, the woodwork balances storage solutions with a welcoming atmosphere of relaxation.

Described by the architect as "contemporary rustic," the project took three months to develop and seven months to complete. The result, according to the residents themselves, exceeded their expectations: "I knew it would be beautiful, but it turned out even more than I imagined. It's extremely gratifying to know that every corner of our home reflects our DNA. Everything was handpicked by us, always with Bianca's openness and guidance," says the client.

With a light, neutral palette that highlights the region's natural landscape, the apartment became a portrait of family life: practical, affectionate, and connected to its residents' roots, without sacrificing comfort and contemporary style.