Designed by Intu Arquitetura, the renovation transforms a dated apartment into a contemporary, sensory-driven home where every detail reflects the homeowner's journey, values, and aspirations.
More than a renovation, Apê Quelps, a 77-square-meter apartment located in the Pinheiros neighborhood of São Paulo, Brazil, was conceived as an exercise in translating identity through architecture. Designed by Intu Arquitetura, the project completely reimagines the residence, creating a warm, contemporary, and deeply personal home that embodies the essence of its owner.
From the outset, the design intentionally distanced itself from fleeting trends and ready-made references. Instead, the project emerged from the homeowner's memories, emotions, textures, and values. Influences from contemporary Japanese design and modern African architecture served as inspiration for a distinctive aesthetic defined by organic curves, natural materials, and a rich palette of earthy tones.
"Our challenge wasn't simply to renovate an old apartment," explains architect Gabriella Guerreiro, founder of Intu Arquitetura. "We wanted to create a home that genuinely expresses who Raquel is—her story, her heritage, and everything she hopes to build for the future. Every design decision was guided by meaning rather than trends."
Materiality plays a central role throughout the interiors. Textured finishes, brushed stone, natural surfaces, and tactile materials were carefully selected to create a rich sensory experience. Brushed Café Imperial granite, ceramic finishes by Eliane and Decortiles, and the handcrafted Toques da Terra wall texture contribute to the home's warm and authentic atmosphere.
The renovation also involved a significant reconfiguration of the original floor plan. The kitchen was opened to the living area, the laundry room was redesigned, and the former bathrooms were completely reorganized to create a more spacious primary suite alongside a comfortable guest bathroom. A former service bedroom was transformed into a walk-in closet, significantly improving the functionality of the private quarters.
"Although we preserved the apartment's primary structure, every room was redesigned to meet the homeowner's current lifestyle," says Gabriella. "Our goal was to create better flow, greater comfort, and stronger relationships between the different spaces."
Another defining aspect of the project was the collaborative relationship between architect and client. Throughout the design and construction process, every decision—from selecting stone and finishes to curating artwork and decorative objects—was made together.
Among the highlights are a custom wallpaper imported from Germany inspired by African art and a painting by renowned Brazilian modernist Tarsila do Amaral, which welcomes visitors at the apartment's entrance.
The result is a home that embraces personal memories while celebrating renewal. Meaningful objects and symbols of personal achievements were thoughtfully incorporated into the interiors, creating a visual narrative that connects past, present, and future.
"Rather than creating a break from the past, we sought to integrate every version of Raquel into one cohesive spatial narrative," Gabriella explains. "The home now tells her story in an authentic way, honoring her ancestry while celebrating her personal evolution."
Described as a fusion of Japandi aesthetics and Afro-Brazilian contemporary design, the apartment presents an atmosphere that is sophisticated, emotional, and unmistakably original.
The design phase lasted four months, followed by five and a half months of construction.
The experience ultimately extended beyond the professional relationship.
"The entire process was incredibly collaborative, and throughout the journey Raquel and I became friends," Gabriella concludes. "That perfectly reflects the essence of this project—a home created through collaboration, trust, affection, and shared purpose."
Team:
Architecture & Interiors: Gabriella Guerreiro | Intu Arquitetura
Photography: Lilian Lawand
Materials Used:
Custom Millwork: Yama Móveis
Construction Management: Rocchi Basan Arquitetura e Engenharia
Furniture: Westwing
Fixtures: Deca
Curtains: 3 Irmãs Cortinas
Stone Fabrication: Pollimarmore
