Piauí Apartment

Maíra Acayaba

Piauí Apartment / Piauí Apartment

• Architects

Superlimão is the architectural firm behind the design of the Piauí Apartment, a 350 m² space named after the street it resides on, nestled in the classic Higienópolis neighborhood. Tailored for a family consisting of a couple and their three children, the design mirrors their deep appreciation for art and social interaction.

photo_credit Maíra Acayaba — Maíra Acayaba

While paying homage to the original architecture and elements of the building, constructed in the 1970s, Superlimão's approach has significantly reduced the prior compartmentalization. This allows for enhanced natural lighting and effectively repurposes existing infrastructure, like the grille gaps, for the ducted air-conditioning system.

The wooden flooring was meticulously restored, and the beams, pipes, and travertine marble were cleverly repurposed to provide an expansive granilite effect on the floor. The kitchen boasts a stainless steel island, complemented by a stone finish. Generous windows span the apartment's perimeter, providing picturesque views of the tree-lined Buenos Aires Park.

In the living room, Superlimão's bespoke cabinetry marks a space meant for an office – a haven for the homeowner to work, conduct meetings, and delve into his book collection. Sliding doors with rippled glass can either separate this space or merge it with the main living area.

On the opposite end, behind the mimicked door, is the home theater, a cozy nook for the family. Like elsewhere in the apartment, modernity reigns with automated systems, integrated audio, and a centralized Data Processing Center. This space also houses a climate-controlled wine cellar and bar.

The private quarters comprise a master suite and three distinct bedrooms for the children, each reflecting its occupant's persona. In the master suite, natural materials like wood and straw blend seamlessly with a soft colorpalette, accentuating the raw brick and exposed concrete textures. Conversely, the teenage rooms showcase bolder designs: from a locksmith-inspired panel and dark furnishings for the eldest daughter to a minimalist, Japanese-themed room featuring a tatami bed and rice straw flooring. A uniquely designed bathroom boasts a sliding door and floor adorned with natural stone pebbles.

The residents' cherished art collection, ranging from classics by Alfredo Volpi to pieces by indigenous artist JaiderEsbell, is strategically displayed throughout. The corridor leading to the bedrooms evokes an art gallery ambiance, complete with exposed bricks and an elongated concrete bench. A pleasant surprise during renovation was the unearthing of a curved concrete strap, revealing the building's internal staircase structure. Light tones are predominate in the color palette for the walls. Vibrant color splashes, seen in the main hall's stones and toilet's floor tiles, are mirrored on the ceiling.